The Grade 6 Students at Westmount School are making an innovative change in the community with a team project.

On Monday, the students came to present to Okotoks Town Council their Little Free Pantry Project, similar to the Little Free Libraries project but with non perishable food.

Grade 6 Student at Westmount School Thomas MacLean says after 75 students had worked on the presentation for 5 weeks, they were thrilled with council's decision.

"It was really exciting to come into town council and give our presentation to them and get the unanimous vote yes."

The students plan to set up two Little Free Pantries in town, one at the school and another at the Fire Hall.

MacLean shares students were inspired by the need for food in our community, and ending the stigma behind food bank use.

"So we were trying to make a big difference and a change in our community, and we found the need of a lot of people who are losing jobs and cant afford food, and we're hoping we can fill that need. Also people who need the food and a little nervous or scared to get food from the foodbank, this is a way that they can just come without the stigma of going to the food bank."

Broadview Homes partnered with the students to help design and build the Little Free Pantries, and the Okotoks Food bank is helping fill them, although the students hope the community will help stock the pantry.

"It's a neighbours helping neighbours project, so we're hoping people around Okotoks can come put food it and people who need the food can come and get it out."

MacLean adds the project was a huge team effort between 3 grade 6 classes, and everyone made a big difference.

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