COEUR d’ALENE — The boys of Coeur d’Alene High School’s varsity soccer team had a chance to build community off the field with the Canvas Food Pantry on Friday. 

Eight players and coach Robbie Harmelink brought nonperishable food and got a tour of the pantry. Post Falls High School also pitched in, and it will go toward supporting families in the school districts.  

The Canvas Food Pantry works with Eat Smart Idaho, a program that provides education and creates environmental change to support low-income families. 

“A key part of building community is projects just like this,” said Roberta Ewert, director of the Canvas Food Pantry.  

Shelly Johnson, a nutrition professor with University of Idaho Extension and an administrator for Eat Smart Idaho, explained the importance of providing healthy options in food pantries to her high school helpers on Friday.  

“The more we can push healthy options, families won’t have to go visit other pantries the next day,” Johnson said. She added that nutrient-dense foods are critical in the fight against hunger.  

About 40 to 50% of kids in the school district are part of low-income families, according to Johnson. An estimated 300 of those children are classified as homeless.

“It’s very important for you guys to understand this,” said Nicole Simon, the mother of one of the boys on the team. “I guarantee you know someone at school that relies on programs like this.” 

The boys took Simon’s words to heart.  

“It was a good thing to do as a team, and to see and understand was other people go through,” said Cason Pintler, a CHS senior and a captain of the team.  

“It’s awesome to give back to the community,” said Nathan Simon, also a senior and team captain.  

    Roberta Ewert, director of the Canvas Food Pantry, gives a tour of the pantry facilities to several members of Coeur d'Alene High School's varsity boys soccer team Friday.