Spotlight on Summit/BEYOND food pantry

Erin Van Dorin is an educator, but her background is steeped in warm hospitality.

Erin owned a restaurant for 15 years, where she helped students to build career skills. That led her to a new journey – “a calling” – special education. Today, Erin is associate principal of Summit (an alternative high school program) and BEYOND (a transition program) within the Ankeny Community School District. She’s intent on creating a welcoming environment where students can thrive.

“My foundation for leadership has always been caring for the whole family, in addition to the student,” Erin said.

Last year, her team jumped at the opportunity to open a Food Bank of Iowa school pantry.

Food insecurity doesn’t discriminate, not even in a suburb like Ankeny, which U.S. News & World Report ranked among the country’s 20 top cities in which to live.

Yet a quarter of the district’s students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Last month, the pantry Erin coordinates served 897 individuals.

The pantry is fully stocked by Food Bank of Iowa. Schools never pay a fee.

“It’s been a fantastic addition,” Erin said.

In addition to leading the school, running the pantry and making plans to complete her doctorate, Erin is bravely facing another challenge: cancer.

“Even as hard as this year has been, I know I’m where I’m supposed to be,” she said. “It is an honor and a privilege to walk through these doors every day.”