(click here for photos of the event)
Philadelphia, PA — Aug. 26, 2025 — Memphis Street Academy (MSA), in partnership with Philadelphia City Councilmember Jim Harrity and Caring for Friends, proudly launched the Wildcat Pantry: Neighbors Helping Neighbors, One Meal at a Time during the school’s annual back-to-school celebration on Thursday, Aug. 21. The new student-run food pantry serves as a vital resource for the Port Richmond community, reinforcing MSA’s commitment to nourishing both students and families.
Dozens of community members gathered for the kickoff event, which featured remarks from Councilmember Harrity, free school supplies and backpacks, food, entertainment, and community resources. The heart of the celebration was the unveiling of the Wildcat Pantry—a new initiative led by students, aimed at addressing the growing challenge of food insecurity in the area.
“Access to nutritious food is a necessity, not a privilege,” said Councilmember Harrity. “The Wildcat Pantry exemplifies the powerful results of collaboration between students, schools, and community partners in fostering mutual care. On behalf of myself and the Kensington Caucus, we are honored to support Memphis Street Academy and Caring for Friends in establishing this space, which nourishes both body and spirit. Special thanks to Steamfitters Local 420 for providing the refrigerators and freezers that make this work possible.”
Karim Muhammad Photography
Through this partnership, students will help prepare and deliver meals to homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities every Friday. In addition, the pantry will serve as a community grocery store, providing consistent access to fresh, nutritious food for families, especially crucial as many struggle to access or retain SNAP benefits.
“At Memphis Street Academy, we believe schools must serve as more than places of learning; they must be cornerstones of care, connection, and community. The Wildcat Pantry is both a response to the urgent need for food access and a reflection of our school’s deep-rooted commitment to our neighbors in Port Richmond,” said MSA CEO Steven Bilski. “By empowering our students to take the lead in preparing and distributing meals, we’re teaching compassion, leadership, and responsibility. We are proud to be part of this collaborative effort and look forward to continuing to grow as an anchor of support and trusted partner in the community we’ve proudly served for years.”
Karim Muhammad Photography
Caring for Friends CEO Vince Schiavone added, “It’s very important for kids to have access to nutritious food. This partnership allows kids to take home fresh fruits and vegetables without stigma and teaches them the importance of giving back.”
More than a traditional food pantry, the Wildcat Pantry is a hands-on leadership and service opportunity for students. It epitomizes MSA’s deepening investment in its neighborhood and the strong network of civic leaders, educators, and advocates working together for a more equitable future.
For more information on the Wildcat Panty or to enroll at MSA, please visit www.ap-schools.org/Memphis-Street-Academy.
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About Memphis Street Academy
Memphis Street Academy Charter School (MSA) is one of four American Paradigm Schools located in Northeast Philadelphia that aims to enhance, support and promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills of its school-aged learners as they master Pennsylvania standards. The mission of Memphis Street Academy is to transform the learning environment for its scholars in grades 5 through 8 — who not only reside in the catchment area of the school, but who also comprise a diverse learning body from all over the City of Philadelphia, and from all ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. For more information, visit: www.ap-schools.org/Memphis-Street-Academy.
About American Paradigm Schools
American Paradigm Schools (APS) is a nonprofit charter management organization that supports and serves four charter schools in North and Northeast Philadelphia. These schools are: First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School; Lindley Academy Charter School; Memphis Street Academy; and Tacony Academy Charter School. For more information, visit www.ap-schools.org.
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