HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – Rockingham Academy is not just home to the RCPS alternative education program, but also a room that’s dedicated to providing a variety of different resources to students.
“The food pantry started about three years ago,” Don Rhodes, agriculture teacher at Rockingham Academy, said. “So, we want to be able to supplement breakfast and lunch here so students can have enough food so they can learn.”
The food pantry is stocked with just about every possible snack you could think of, but Rhodes said that everything in the pantry is donations from the community, including the wellness center.
“Nourishment and nutrition are essential for them to be able to focus throughout the day,” Allison Kinney, site manager of the Sentara RMH Wellness Center, said. “It’s important for their overall health and wellness, and that was something that we felt like we really needed to support.”
Support from places like the Wellness Center is crucial for the Academy, as they don’t have a PTO Board or Booster Club to take care of acquiring all of those necessary resources, and in turn helping at-risk students achieve not only their academic goals but also meet their basic needs.
“Once we’re able to meet their basic needs, then they’ll be ready to learn, and that is our goal,” Rhodes said.
The snack food drive is being held through March 27. Donations can be dropped off inside of the donation bin in the lobby of the Sentara RMH Wellness Center.
Copyright 2026 WHSV. All rights reserved.
