Community Churches Support Educators with Back-to-School Meals

By: Shaun McInnish, City Beat Writer

As the 2025–2026 school year kicks off, Pelahatchie school staff were met with an extraordinary show of support from local churches, who provided meals and encouragement throughout the final days of teacher planning.

On Monday, The Church at Shiloh treated staff to a generous BBQ lunch, complete with homemade desserts. The meal served as a welcome boost during a busy week of preparation.

Tuesday brought another act of kindness as Pelahatchie Baptist Church hosted school staff for lunch. The church has long been a consistent supporter of the district, and its continued hospitality helped staff feel appreciated and uplifted heading into the school year.

The week of support concluded Wednesday with a lunch provided by Crossroads Baptist Church. As teachers finalized classroom setups and prepared for students to arrive, the meal marked a moment of community connection and gratitude.

The shared meals gave staff a chance to come together, recharge, and reflect on the work ahead. With the first day of school just around the corner, the encouragement and generosity from these churches have helped set a positive tone for the year.

Pelahatchie schools begin the new academic year with a strong sense of community backing, thanks to the care and commitment of local faith partners.