‘They are not just making donations; they are learning empathy.’
Cape May Court House, N.J. – Every Thursday, more than 25 Middle Township High School (MTHS) students volunteer their lunch time to make sure younger kids have enough to eat.
The MTHS students, all members of the school’s Key Club, package 68 meals that go home with Middle Township Elementary #1 students each Friday.
The timing is intentional: Students who are enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program receive breakfast and lunch on weekdays. The donated meals help sustain students and their families over the weekend.
Food items include macaroni and cheese bowls, granola bars, oatmeal, fruit cups, pretzels, ramen, mini cereal boxes, applesauce and more. All items are individually packaged and meals are easy to prepare.
Four seniors who are National Honor Society members take turns delivering the meals to Elementary #1. The elementary school’s guidance counselor, Kelly Cox, places the meals in the backpacks of students who are registered for the program. Students are referred by their teachers through a Google Form, and families then fill out a permission form for their students to receive the packages.
Cox established the program in fall 2023. Needing volunteers to package the meals, she approached MTHS English teacher and Key Club advisor Kelley Hogg.
Hogg said she is always looking for meaningful service projects for the Key Club students and was happy to help.
“This activity is especially meaningful because it gives the students an active role in helping to provide for the school community,” said Hogg. “They are not just making donations; they are learning empathy. The students also are getting a chance to make new friends and increase bonds with their classmates outside the classroom setting. In addition, they are learning leadership skills. The students completely organize and run the meal packing and as advisor, I supervise.”
A national organization associated with Kiwanis International, the MTHS Key Club is dedicated to community service, volunteer work, and charity for the community — especially children. Participation in the Key Club is intended to build caring and character among its members.
Besides the weekly packaged meals, Middle Township Public Schools (MTPS) seeks other ways to help families facing food challenges. Jersey Mike’s in Cape May Court House held a fundraiser for the MTPS community as part of the restaurant’s grand opening events in November. MTPS also partnered with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Lower Township, Middle Township and Cape May County Commissioners to host a recent food distribution event for district families.
Find more information on area food banks and food pantries.