The COVID-19 pandemic has created a number of challenges at a global scale. Transportation logistics came to a screeching halt, schools have been disrupted, unemployment has reached an all-time high, food waste is on the rise, and an estimated 53 million Americans are at risk of hunger.
With so much doom and gloom, it’s easy to feel helpless. However, one amazing high schooler, Joslyn, from Bel Air, MD, rallied her friends and launched a Front Porch Food Drive to fight hunger in their community. These amazing young people distributed 900 Move For Hunger food collection bags and fliers to their friends and neighbors encouraging them to donate their non-perishable. To everyone’s delight – nearly half the bags delivered were picked up full!
Von Paris Moving & Storage, an agent for North American Van Lines, was thrilled to lend a hand donating transportation and labor for the food drive. The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation also donated masks for everyone participating and also helped in the organizing. Together, they collected more than 4,500 lbs of food – enough to provide over 3,750 meals to those in need. Von Paris delivered the food to 3 local churches that operate pantries in the area. From there the food will be distributed to community members facing food insecurity.
“Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these young people would be volunteering their time at food banks, hospitals, or other local organizations. However, social distancing rules have made it pretty challenging to find volunteer opportunities,” said Roxanne Moore, Executive Director of the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation. “Our foundation is always excited to support programs that engage young people in meaningful ways to fight hunger.” Move For Hunger’s Front Porch Food Drive offers an easy way to get involved together even while remaining physically apart.
Joslyn and her friends should be proud of the inspiring food drive they led in their community. They are a shining example of the many young people across the country creating real impact during these difficult times. To organize your own Front Porch Food Drive, Click HERE!
