Students and alumni from St. Augustine School in Richmond recently packed 15,000 meals for Kids Against Hunger. This effort was part of their Catholic Schools Week celebration, aimed at helping the local community.
On January 28, students from kindergarten through eighth grade, along with alumni from Cardinal Mooney High School and Austin Catholic High School, gathered in the school basement. They filled, sealed, and stacked bags of dry food meant for distribution to the Blue Water Community Food Depot in Port Huron.
Emily Lenn, the school principal, shared how this project has evolved over the years. “The first year, we sent meals to an Indian reservation. Last year, we focused on our community here,” she explained. After a short prayer, students from all grades teamed up to pack portions of rice, soy, vegetables, and chicken-flavored vitamins into boxes.
It’s inspiring to see teamwork across different ages. Older students guided younger ones, while the preschoolers added their touch by coloring the boxes. “We’re showing how we can serve others, just as we learn through our faith,” Lenn noted.
The Michigan director for Kids Against Hunger, Todd Clevenger, was there to help the students. He emphasized the impact of their hard work. “Today’s effort means 15,000 adult meals—equivalent to 30,000 meals for kids,” Clevenger said. He praised the students’ enthusiasm, which shows their understanding of community service.
According to recent statistics, nearly 11% of households in Michigan face food insecurity. This makes initiatives like this even more crucial. Schools and community organizations working together can significantly lighten this burden.
Service projects like these are a big part of Catholic Schools Week, celebrating the spirit of giving. “We want our students to learn about helping those in need,” Lenn added. “It connects with our faith and what we stand for.”
Such events not only fill pantries but also create a sense of unity. They show how even young students can make a difference, reinforcing valuable lessons in compassion and community engagement.
Kids Against Hunger continues to emphasize the importance of volunteer efforts in combating hunger across the nation. Community involvement helps highlights the need for ongoing support for those who struggle with food access.
