Working together: Kids Against Hunger

By Zoe V.

On November 20th the FFA chapter had their annual Kids Against Hunger event. More than 65 second graders gathered in the elementary school gym with 50 high school FFA members to package meals for families in the community. They packaged 810 bags, which is 5,000 servings, over the course of three hours. This year they packaged oatmeal. 

Before the event takes place, FFA advisor Ms. Zimmerman reaches out and submits paperwork to the outreach program, communicates with the elementary school teachers about what day works best, and reaches out to donors to see if they want to fund the event. Zimmerman coordinates with elementary teachers and sends in a PTO funding request.

On the day of the event, students meet Ms. Zimmerman at the high school in the morning to load supplies and then walk over to the elementary school to get started with set up. Seven tables were set up with grains, proteins, and other healthy mixes to put into the oatmeal. The goal for these packages is for it to feed a family of five and to provide good nutrients for them. 

High school volunteers split into groups of six or seven with nine to ten kids at each table. Three kids scoop the food into the packets, one puts the packet under a funnel, and two weigh them out. Then two students seal the packages for one or two to put the packets into boxes. Then comes the most fun part for the kids: when their table fills a box, they get to ring a bell and cheer! 

Ms. Zimmerman says her favorite part of this event is knowing the big impact it has on the community. The packets were donated to three different food pantries: Food at First in Ames, The Bridge Home in Ames, and Loaves and Fishes in Story City. It was a very successful event!

Location: Story City, IA 50248, USA

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