Wyoming — Realizing a growing need in their own community, Wyoming High School students are working to feed as many people as possible headed into the holiday season.
Students representing the Student Council, Key Club, National Honors Society and Business Professionals for America recently launched their annual food drive, a completely student-run event and competition between third-hour classes for two weeks leading up to the Monday before Thanksgiving. They are doubling their goal from last school year.
About 25 students are involved in the effort, dropping by each classroom daily to collect items. Several large buckets were already full just two days after the drive began.
The goal is to raise $3,000 and 2,000 in non-perishable food items for Family Network of Wyoming. Last school year, students raised 1,490 food items and $1,506. While most of the collection is taking place in classrooms, anyone can donate here.
“Especially right now with the government shutdown and pause in SNAP benefits) a lot of people are in need of food, especially because they can’t receive those benefits. Doubling (the goal) will hopefully help food get to more people in the community,” said senior Emily Bedolla, who is in Key Club, NHA and BPA.
“Also, right now in the community, families are afraid to come out because of all the (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids. This is a good way for them to come out and get the necessities that they need, just in time for the holidays too,” added senior Leslie Villalobos, who is in BPA.
Yadira Alcantar, Family Network Wyoming manager of programs and services, said the organization has seen a spike in need the past few weeks. During the first week of November, 40 new households signed up for food, and the organization projects a bump this month of 30 to 50% in families who sign up for services, which was 824 households, or 2,719 individuals, in October.
At least 230 households per day currently come for food distribution, which is offered twice a day to families in Wyoming, Grandville and Jenison.
“We usually have to close up early because we run out of food,” Alcantar said.
The pause in SNAP benefits is a major part of the problem, and need typically increases over the holidays and in the winter.
She said Wyoming High School’s contributions will help immediately.
“Any food that comes from Wyoming High School will help that very week,” she said, estimating that the donations could potentially serve 200 households.
Emily and Leslie said they are aware of food insecurity among many in the school community, and that it feels good to give back. They said the food drive also aligns with the school’s Alpha Wolf 11 program.
“Especially since we have AW11 and we always talk about being kind, compassionate and gracious, it just goes to show that we are trying to do something about our values,” Leslie said. “And giving back to our community is a way we can show that, especially with a food drive during these times of uncertainty.”
Read more from Wyoming:
• Mentors step up on the school bus
• Math strategies promote increased engagement
