MIDDLETON, Wis. – A group of high school students in Middleton braved the chilly weather last Saturday. Their mission? To help their neighbors and fight hunger in their community.
These dedicated students are part of ‘Middleton Meals Matter,’ a nonprofit they started to tackle local food insecurity. Grace Parker, one of the founders, shared the story behind the organization. “Initially, we thought about helping globally. But then we realized the need here in Middleton was even bigger. We decided to focus on our own community first,” she said.
The students set up food drives outside grocery stores, providing shoppers with a list of items that are urgently needed. People can easily decide to pick up a few nonperishable items while shopping and drop them off on their way out.
“People are really receptive to our approach,” Parker noted. “We’ve seen a lot of success, and many return to say how great it is to help out.” To ensure the food reaches those in need, they partner with WayForward Resources, a local organization that distributes the donations.
Since launching in July, the students have collected over 4,000 pounds of food and raised more than $4,000, setting a record for WayForward Resources. However, winter brings its own challenges. “It’s tougher when it’s cold. People are less likely to stop and chat; they just want to get in and out,” Parker explained.
Despite the cold, senior Nebil Siraj feels the community spirit keeps them motivated. “We’re known as the ‘good neighbor city.’ As long as we stay warm and keep smiling, it lifts everyone’s spirits,” he said.
Those involved in the distribution confirm how important these local drives are. Tom Jordan, a weekly volunteer with WayForward Resources, said, “We often face food shortages. While we receive some shipments from various suppliers, the contributions from the students make a huge difference.”
The efforts of these students not only brighten up a cold Saturday but also play a crucial role in supporting those in need within Middleton.
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