OHS students are taking action to help address the food insecure. In partnership with Growing Wapello Together, the Interact Club, Torch Club, and Student Council are hosting a Food Drive.
The Food Drive will start January 30 and run through March 2. All donations will benefit the OHS Food Pantry that provides a backpack of food on the weekends to students in need. Overflow items will be donated to the Food Bank of Southern Iowa.
Poverty doesn't just live outside of our schools, according to Joe Schulz, director of Growing Wapello Together. Local students that struggle with hunger are less engaged during the school day and suffer academically as a result. The free and reduced lunch rate at OHS is currently over 60%. “With the help of the community, we can move the needle when it comes to making a difference in the lives around us,” said Schulz.
“It is encouraging to see the students taking this action of service to help provide for other students,” he said. “Competition seems to be a motivating factor for most students. The winning team will receive recognition as well as a fun-filled outing.”
Community donations are always welcome. Please contact Joe Schulz, Growing Wapello Together Director, at 641-682-3449 for more information.
