This year, the Canned Food Drive celebrated its 27th anniversary, and M-A students made a big impact, collecting an impressive 420,336 pounds of food. This total not only helped feed many families but also broke the national record for the largest high school food drive.
### The Build-Up
The drive started long before the actual canning. Leadership students began by reaching out to local grocery stores for food donations. In recent months, food insecurity has grown, especially with changes to SNAP benefits, so the students organized effectively to gather and distribute donations.
As the drive approached, Leadership students split into committees. These groups managed various tasks—from marketing and letter writing to coordinating with local businesses and sports teams for support.
Each student acted as a liaison for their classes, keeping everyone updated on the drive’s progress and motivating others to participate.
### The Canning Process
During the canning phase, hundreds of students took shifts at grocery stores, asking patrons for food and monetary donations. They faced both generosity and rejection but continued with enthusiasm. Many customers filled their trunks with canned goods, pasta, and other staples. Monetary donations helped cover the cost of fresh produce for later distribution.
### Progress Tracking
After the canning events, students tallied the donations. A bit of friendly competition spurred participation among sports teams and clubs, driving even more contributions.
### The Bins
The bins, located on campus, filled up quickly. In fact, students had to donate extra food to Ecumenical Hunger Program (EHP) ahead of the big day due to the overwhelming generosity. Each morning, students would unload their collected food, sorting it into balanced meal boxes that were readied for transport.
### Distribution Day
Distribution Day was a highlight, bringing together students, alumni, and community members. More than 2,000 locals received assistance, with long lines forming early in the morning. The atmosphere was warm and collaborative, as smiles and hugs were exchanged among volunteers and families. The distribution ran smoothly, with students helping transport food to cars. In addition to food, a winter clothing drive was a hit, with warm coats being given out as quickly as they arrived.
By the end of the day, supplies were nearly exhausted, with the drive serving 332 families, including many children and elderly residents.
Leadership teacher Mike Amoroso summed it up well: “This is ingrained in the student body at our school. There is no other school like M-A, and I am so proud to be a Bear.”
This year’s Canned Food Drive illustrates the power of community and student engagement in making a real difference. It’s inspiring to see what can be accomplished when people come together for a common cause.
Source link
