The Shinnecock Indian Nation cut the ribbon on a brand-new, in-school food pantry for children in need.

The students at Wuneechanunk Shinnecock Preschool filled their shopping bags at the grand opening of the school’s food pantry. The pantry is fully stocked, from fresh food in the fridge to diapers - and everything in-between.

There is a need in the tribe for the in-school pantry.

“Numbers don’t lie, and the last census our nation was 60% below the poverty level," says Lance Gumbs, vice chairman of the Shinnecock Nation. “In our culture, it is the duty of our people to take care of the next seven generations.”

Stop & Shop donated over $12,000 and a refrigerator to the Shinnecock Indian Nation to make this possible.

The pantry is open to children 12 and under who attend the school.