ALTON - A special education teacher has gone above and beyond to support students by creating a food bank at Alton High School.
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Tammy Wood, who teaches at AHS, recently collaborated with students, staff members, and the St. Louis Area Foodbank to create the Bird Loft. During the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, Wood was recognized for her contributions to the district to ensure every student has access to food.
“Ms. Wood took initiative to research some opportunities to better support our students and families after a need was identified,” explained AHS Principal Stacie Franke. “At the same time, she was intentional about creating authentic job and skill-building opportunities for students in her program, ensuring that the work would be both meaningful and instructional.”
Wood collaborated with the school district’s maintenance department to install required equipment, and she worked with the district’s social workers and guidance counselors to coordinate donations to families in need. She also organized a partnership between the high school and the St. Louis Area Foodbank.
On the first and third Thursdays of each month, the school receives deliveries of food from the St. Louis Area Foodbank. Wood and her students then work together to prepare the food orders.
The social workers and guidance counselors connect families with these packages of food. Since the Bird Loft’s inception in November, Wood estimates that almost 30 families have received food.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference at Alton High School,” Franke said. “We often talk about community, and this partnership truly exemplifies what community looks like in action for our students and families…Her work reflects the very best of our school and district.”
Wood expressed her appreciation for the recognition, but she emphasized that the Bird Loft is a community effort, with support from staff members and administrators across the district. As the Board of Education thanked Wood for her work, she highlighted the importance of collaboration and connection at AHS and beyond.
“There are a lot of people involved in this,” Wood said. “There’s a whole group of people who really contribute to it.”
For more information about the St. Louis Area Foodbank, including how to donate or how to receive assistance, visit their official website.
If you are experiencing food insecurity, read this article on RiverBender.com for information about local resources.
If you have a Difference Makers idea, e-mail news@riverbender.com or text (618) 623-5930.
