Ellis Students Fund 9,000 Meals at the Food Bank
Ellis students in grade 1 went above and beyond expectations as they raised $1,800 for the Kids Campaign to End Hunger benefiting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, totaling 9,000 meals for those in need. Students completed extra chores, knocked on neighbor’s doors, donated from their piggy banks, solicited family and friends, and even challenged grandma to a round of cards to raise each and every dollar to help local families battle hunger.
This partnership between Ellis grade 1 and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is in its second year and has been a smashing success for both parties. Faculty members, Beth Leu and Alison Kissel, introduced the idea of service learning and food insecurity at the beginning of the school year through lessons on communities, neighborhoods, and health and wellness.
“At this age, we develop their awareness and broaden their horizons of other people’s problems. We teach students what it means to be kind and what it means to help your neighbor. We want to them to think about how they can step outside of themselves and help others. The food bank fundraiser is a great way for Ellis girls to make a significant impact in the community, no matter their age,” said Mrs. Kissel.
Students are taught that healthy food is imperative to thinking, moving, working, and growing and that everyone needs access to fresh food regardless of circumstance. Through these classroom conversations, students realize that not everyone has food provided for them and that sometimes people need help to attain food for nutrition and overall well-being. Once this connection is made, students begin raising money for healthy meals for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
After the holiday break, students came back to school ready to fundraise for the Kids Campaign to End Hunger and were enthusiastic about reaching their goal of $500 and 2,500 meals for those in need. In true Ellis fashion, students in grade 1 showed passion, positivity, and prowess as they not only surpassed their goal within three days, but went on to triple it. In just one month, 29 classmates came together to raise $1,800 equaling 9,000 meals for local families.
Students saw their goodwill and hard work in action last week when they traveled to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank for a field trip. They toured the food bank––and were particularly excited about the extra large fridge and freezer––and saw first hand how their $1,800 will be used to feed the hungry. The warehouse was brimming with activity as girls learned about the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s community programs, food inspection regulations, and watched the distribution of goods as vans were loaded by local churches and soup kitchens with food for the community.
“Seeing the fresh, healthy foods picked and packed helps students visualize how the money they raised is being spent, what comes from it, and how it is being distributed to the community. This immersive, real-world experience shows the girls the impact the fundraiser has and how meaningful it is,” said Mrs. Leu.
Following the fundraiser and field trip, students in grade 1 will continue to reflect on food insecurity and community service by penning non-fiction books about their experience. Students will write about wellness and nutrition, the food bank’s mission and impact, and share what they have learned about food insecurity throughout the year. First grade will also head to the East End Cooperative Ministry, one of the largest direct service agencies for the food bank, in April to see how the food from the food bank is used in their kitchen.
“The kids are so passionate and love to give. It’s such a pure desire for a young child. They can’t imagine that someone else is hungry and that would go unnoticed. They genuinely want to help the community and they showed that through the fundraiser,” said Mrs. Leu.
“The kids are so passionate and love to give. It’s such a pure desire for a young child. They can’t imagine that someone else is hungry and that would go unnoticed. They genuinely want to help the community and they showed that through the fundraiser,” said Mrs. Leu.
This interdisciplinary, real-world experience with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank builds girls' character and enhances their understanding of classroom concepts. By integrating life lessons into the day-to-day at Ellis, our youngest students are taught the importance of compassion, kindness, and charity on and off campus. The fundraiser and partnership brings relevance to service learning at a young age and sets the foundation for future involvement and success down the line.
Learn more about service learning at The Ellis School here.
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