Community Volunteers Unite to Deliver 500+ Food Kits for Excelsior Springs Students in Need

Excelsior Springs, Mo. – On September 22, community members came together at Excelsior Springs Middle School to pack 576 weekend food kits for local elementary students. Volunteers from the Excelsior Springs Rotary Club and hospital staff joined forces with Feed Northland Kids to complete this important task in just an hour and a half.

Each kit includes easy-to-open, shelf-stable items like soups, dry snacks, and fruit cups. These foods help fill the gap for students over the weekend until they can access school meals again on Monday.

Chris Donnelli, a volunteer with Feed Northland Kids and the Rotary Club, was excited about the impact of their efforts. “It’s a fun, purposeful time knowing how much this helps our community,” he said. This initiative directly supports over 40 students in Excelsior Springs.

The Excelsior Springs School District identifies the students most in need. Notably, this district has a higher percentage of students receiving free or reduced lunches compared to other schools in Clay County. Kim Curtis, the district’s social worker, plays a crucial role in organizing the food distribution to ensure it reaches those at risk for food insecurity.

In recent years, food insecurity has become a pressing issue nationwide. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, around 10.5% of American households experienced food insecurity in 2022. Local initiatives like this one are vital in addressing hunger, especially in communities with high levels of need.

Volunteers like those at this event not only provide food but also foster a sense of community and support. Their combined efforts strengthen connections and idea-sharing, ultimately helping create a better environment for students and families alike.

For more insights into food insecurity and community support initiatives, check out reports from Feeding America and local food banks working to combat this challenge.

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