The South Bronx is one of the poorest areas in the country, with nearly 40% of residents living below the poverty line, according to U.S. Census data.

Now, as the government shutdown stretches into its 37th day, many families who rely on SNAP benefits are going without — prompting a group of high school students in Melrose to step in and help.

Inside University Prep Charter High School, a classroom is lined with grocery bags packed with food for students and their families.

The effort began more than a week ago when Assistant Principal Sally Schwab realized the shutdown wasn’t ending anytime soon.

“I thought, 'Oh my God, our students aren’t going to be able to eat if we don’t do anything,' so I started the GoFundMe,” Schwab said.

The fundraiser raised about $34,000.

Schwab said that between the school’s middle and high school, the number of students who rely on SNAP benefits is much higher than the area average.

“Out of 900 students, about 85% are going without the money they need to buy groceries for their families,” she said.

Students packed roughly 130 bags filled with nonperishable items like cereal, cooking oil and pasta to ensure their peers have something to eat.

“We’re packing bags so everyone can have food, regardless of their circumstances,” said senior Kayleigh Hue.

Hue said she hopes their project inspires other schools to join the effort.

“When one school starts doing it, other schools see it and continue the process,” she said.

Schwab said the school plans to keep the initiative going for as long as it’s needed to make sure students and their families don’t go hungry.