This year’s M-A Canned Food Drive (CFD) was a huge success, collecting a record-breaking 420,336 pounds of food during its Distribution Day! The event surpassed its goal of 300,000 pounds by a remarkable 40% and brought in 68% more cans than last year. Incredible, right?
The CFD is organized by student leaders who rally classmates to gather donations throughout November and December. They set up outside local grocery stores, asking for both canned goods and cash to help the community, partnering with the Ecumenical Hunger Program (EHP).
On Distribution Day, students arrived bright and early at EHP, excited and ready to work. They sorted the food into color-coded bags, filling the parking lot with neatly organized supplies. “We coordinate across all three periods to pull this off—from social media to logistics,” said senior organizer Aarii Keswani.
Families lined up well before the event started, and by 8:30 a.m., the long queue wrapped around the block. Students and volunteers, including alumni and parents, helped load bags packed with food and hygiene products into cars. “Seeing the smiles on the families’ faces is so rewarding,” said Keswani.
Volunteers took on different roles tirelessly, from stacking boxes to distributing egg cartons, while coffee and snacks kept everyone energized. History teacher Ellen Jacobson noted, “It’s magical to see the community come together.”
The need for food is especially urgent this year. With the reduction in food stamp benefits, more families are struggling to afford groceries. “Given the decrease in SNAP benefits, this year highlights the importance of our efforts,” Keswani pointed out.
Despite the large volume of food collected, distribution was quick, and everything was given out by 11:00 a.m. “Leadership requires a lot of planning and teamwork,” sophomore Olivia Rodgers explained. Thanks to the effort and dedication of many, the CFD proved once again to be a significant source of support for our community.
