‘Cram the Cruiser’ to benefit Battle Ground and Prairie High Schools

The food pantries established by Officer Anderson and Deputy Quiggle help ensure that no student goes without access to a snack during the school day

Last year, Battle Ground Police Department (BGPD) School Resource Officer Phil Anderson used his personal funds to establish a small food pantry at Battle Ground High School (BGHS), initially stocking it with Cup ‘O Noodles and other light snacks.

When the Battle Ground Education Foundation (BGEF) learned of Officer Anderson’s efforts, it generously committed to providing a monthly stipend to help keep the pantry stocked. With the foundation’s support, the pantry’s offerings have expanded to include a wider variety of nutritious snacks.  Since the launch of the SRO food pantry program, students and staff creatively and affectionately named the pantry “The Tiger’s Table,” a tribute to the BGHS mascot.  

In addition, the collaborative partnership between BGPD and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has created opportunities for officers and deputies to connect and share ideas. Through that partnership, CCSO Deputy Chelsea Quiggle, the School Resource Officer assigned to Prairie High School, learned about “The Tiger’s Table” and launched a similar food pantry at her school, also with support from BGEF.

More than a pantry – A bridge to trust

The food pantries established by Officer Anderson and Deputy Quiggle help ensure that no student goes without access to a snack during the school day. What began as a modest, officer-funded initiative has proven to be far more impactful than its founders originally imagined.

Each day, between 10 and 20 students visit the pantries at each school in search of a quick snack. For some, the visit meets a genuine nutritional need. For others, it becomes the starting point for a meaningful conversation; one that builds trust, offers support, and strengthens the connection between law enforcement and the next generation. These pantries have become one of the most effective relationship-building tools available to the School Resource Officers, yet demand continues to exceed available supplies.

A community that steps up

Community support for these pantry programs has been outstanding. As demand has grown beyond current supplies, Officer Anderson and Deputy Quiggle developed an innovative way to replenish their food pantries while also engaging the community.  The “Cram the Cruiser” event represents the next step in expanding a truly community-supported initiative, inviting residents to directly support the mission of the pantries and the students they serve.

The inaugural “Cram the Cruiser” community donation event will be held on Saturday, March 28. Community members will have the opportunity to place donations of non-perishable snack items directly into a Battle Ground Police Department and/or a Clark County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle. All donated items will be used to restock the food pantries at both high schools.

 “The Tiger’s Table is a powerful example of what can happen when law enforcement meets students where they are; with consistency, compassion, and even something as simple as a quick snack,” shared Officer Anderson. “Every conversation that begins at that pantry is an opportunity to build a lasting relationship. We are deeply grateful to the Battle Ground Education Foundation and the broader community for helping us sustain this effort.”

Deputy Quiggle added, “We have seen firsthand how something as simple as a snack can open a door that might otherwise remain closed. Students who may never approach an officer in any other setting will stop by the pantry, and suddenly we are talking, really talking. It gives us the opportunity to show students that we are here for them.”

Event details – Cram the Cruiser

Date: Saturday, March 28
Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Fred Meyer, 401 NW 12th Avenue, Battle Ground
What to Bring:  Non-perishable snack items, including individually packaged snacks, granola bars, instant noodles, crackers, trail mix, and similar items.

This event is sponsored by Battle Ground Police Department, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Battle Ground Education Foundation, Battle Ground High School, and Prairie High School.

The Battle Ground Police Department and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office are deeply grateful for their partnership with Battle Ground Public Schools and extend their sincere appreciation to the Battle Ground Education Foundation for its generosity in helping sustain this meaningful program. Together, they are making a difference; one conversation, one snack, and one relationship at a time.

Information provided by the city of Battle Ground.