More than 700 JROTC cadets from Mariner High School are tackling food insecurity in Southwest Florida with a dedicated Service Learning Project. Launched last month, the initiative runs through February, aiming to raise awareness and support for those in need.
Under the guidance of Brig. Cmdr. Jakobe Changasie, the cadets researched food insecurity and discovered that one in eight people in their area faces this issue. This insight drove their mission to help the community.
Maj. Bryan Williams, a retired Army major and instructor for JROTC, emphasized the importance of this service project. JROTC teaches leadership and character-building skills. Every year, cadets engage in a service project where they plan and execute their ideas while reflecting on their experiences.
Collaborating with Community Cooperative, a nonprofit with food banks across Southwest Florida, the cadets began preparations in January. They invited representatives to address their leadership classes, focusing on how to effectively implement their goals.
The cadets employed multiple strategies for outreach. Battalion Cmdr. Elyssa Vazquez noted that they aimed to engage every cadet in the project. Cadets visited local food banks to witness firsthand how their contributions would help the community.
To mobilize support, they used three leadership approaches: direct volunteering at Community Cooperative, indirect routes to gather food and monetary donations, and advocacy through promoting their project both online and in-person.
Cadet Victor Carillo shared that direct appeals for donations have been successful; stores like Walmart and Publix participated generously. They also partnered with Farmer Joe’s, where cadets set up a donation table to inform shoppers about their cause.
The use of QR codes for monetary donations has been a game-changer. Chief of Staff Zoe Enslin highlighted that $1 can purchase three pounds of food, making cash donations more effective than canned goods alone. This system not only simplifies donations but also broadens their outreach—one social media post can reach countless potential supporters.
Data from Community Cooperative underscores the impact of such initiatives. In recent years, about 35% of families in the Lee County area faced food insecurity, emphasizing the importance of community efforts like this project. In just a short time, cadets have collected between 600 to 800 food items and raised around $2,500, illustrating their hard work and commitment.
Beyond gathering donations, the cadets are gaining invaluable lessons in leadership and teamwork. For many, this experience has opened their eyes to issues affecting their community, highlighting the fact that those struggling with food insecurity might be closer than they think.
“Every contribution counts, whether it’s time, effort, or money,” said Changasie, reflecting on the project’s significance. His sentiments echo the project’s ultimate goal: to motivate young people to take action while appreciating their resources and responsibilities.
The Mariner High School JROTC program is not just about learning in the classroom; it’s about making real-world impacts that shape both hearts and minds. The service project wraps up at the end of February, but the cadets plan to continue raising awareness about food insecurity long after it’s done.
For more information about Community Cooperative and ongoing efforts, visit their official website.
