(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — May 16, 2025) — A powerful new resource is now available to families in Northeast El Paso. Irvin High School held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 15 to celebrate the grand opening of the Rocket Market, a school-based food pantry created to support students, families, and the greater Irvin community.
Hosted in the school’s main gym, the event featured remarks from El Paso ISD Superintendent Diana Sayavedra, Principal Bobby Stives, student leaders, and representatives from El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, the district’s longtime partner in its mission to combat food insecurity. Also in attendance were elected officials, community members, and volunteers who helped make the pantry a reality.
“The Rocket Market is more than just a food pantry—it’s a place of support and care,” said Superintendent Sayavedra. “This project represents our belief that when we take care of the whole child, we empower every student to succeed. No one should have to learn while hungry.”
The pantry is part of El Paso ISD’s expanding network of campus food pantries. Currently, six school-based pantries operate across the district, with three designated as Client Choice models—allowing families to shop for groceries in a way that preserves dignity and promotes nutritional independence.
"There are plenty of low-income families in the Northeast and having this food pantry here close to the Irvin community is amazing because it will allow those students and their families to have access to these vital supplies," said Ana Mejia, a Sophomore at Irvin High School.
The Rocket Market was made possible through collaboration with El Pasoans Fighting Hunger and the Community Schools team, including Community Schools Coordinator Simon Chandler, who emphasized the impact of the project.
"This is a really big deal for us," Chandler said. "Families in the Irvin feeder pattern now have a place for them. This pantry is going to make a real difference for our students and their families."
Student volunteers played a major role in organizing the pantry and will continue to help operate it. They were recognized for their hard work with a Certificate of Appreciation. Following the ribbon cutting, guests were invited to tour the facility and learn more about how the pantry will operate.
With the Rocket Market now open, Irvin High School strengthens its commitment to whole-child wellness while deepening its role as a hub of support and partnership in the Northeast El Paso community.