SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE — When hunger struck at Rolling Hills Elementary, students knew exactly where to turn: The Kindness Closet, an in-school food pantry created by Alabama resident Jessa Hicks to ensure children had consistent access to snacks and meals throughout the school day — and even something warm to take home at night.
Hicks, who founded The Kindness Closet in 2023, spent more than a decade volunteering through the Junior League of Huntsville before she realized the significant and often hidden need facing many elementary students. What began as coat drives and supply efforts quickly revealed deeper challenges.
“I realized they had more needs than just coats,” Hicks said. “A lot of kids came to school late and hungry. Older students often needed more than the lunch they were given. I just knew there was a need.”
Hicks shared her vision on Facebook, hoping to gather small donations from friends and family. Instead, the response grew rapidly. Community members began contributing regularly, allowing her to stock the pantry with kid-friendly, easy-open foods — items she described as “anything little hands can open themselves.” The offerings included ready-to-eat meals, SpaghettiOs, mac-and-cheese cups, fruit pouches, cereals, granola bars, Pop-Tarts, chips and more.
From there, The Kindness Closet quickly became an essential support system, especially for students from migrant families or households struggling with food instability. For many, the pantry provided the only reliable meal outside of school lunch.
“They absolutely loved to see me coming down the hall with a wagon full of stuff,” Hicks said. “They give hugs, they’re polite, they’re kind. Sometimes they ask to take something home for a sibling. They know they can go in and get whatever they need.”
Hicks, who recently retired from the medical field after 25 years, said that her mission has always been simple: give students the foundation they need to learn — starting with a full stomach.
“You can’t concentrate if you’re hungry,” she said. “We just want to make sure they have what they need.”
Beyond Rolling Hills Elementary, Hicks has helped support several additional under-served schools throughout Huntsville. The Kindness Closet continues to run entirely on donations and the generosity of residents who believe no child should struggle to access food.
Those who wish to support The Kindness Closet can visit its Facebook page, purchase items through its Amazon wish list, or donate via Venmo/CashApp at @hsvkindnesscloset.