Student-run Middleton Meals Matter reports tens of thousands of pounds of food raised, seeks expansion and nonprofit status
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Summary
Student leaders told the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District board that Middleton Meals Matter — a student-run anti-hunger group — collected tens of thousands of pounds of food this year, raised several thousand dollars for local pantries and aims to expand to other schools.
Student leaders from Middleton Meals Matter presented their volunteer program to the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District board, describing a year of rapid growth, partnerships with local food pantries and plans to expand the effort beyond the district.
Noah Duckett, a senior at Middleton High School, said the group focuses on food insecurity and economic support and defined the issue for the board: “Food insecurity is the condition of not having access to sufficient food or food of an adequate quality to meet one's basic needs.” He said Wisconsin estimates and national context drove the students to act locally.
Student presenters reported concrete outcomes: in early months they raised about 7,200 pounds of food and $3,800 for WayForward Food Pantry; in a later period they reported roughly 17,900 pounds and $6,000; and most recently they said they collected over 17,000 pounds and $3,300 through 20 food drives and multiple volunteer events. Students said they have run drives at multiple Metro Market locations and have engaged elementary and middle-school clubs and volunteers.
The students told the board they are forming an overarching organization, Meals Matter, to help other schools start chapters; they said they are in talks with at least two other area high schools and are working toward establishing a 501(c)(3) to accept outside funding because their current school account cannot be transferred to an independent nonprofit.
The board praised the students and several board members offered to follow up; one board member asked for the group’s blueprint and materials for replication. The students stressed confidentiality when donating to school-based supports such as the Cardinal Nest and said most collected items are routed to WayForward and the high school’s Cardinal Nest to avoid student-to-student exchanges.
Why it matters: student-led volunteer programs can fill gaps at local pantries and build youth leadership; expansion and nonprofit status would change how the group receives and administers funds.
What’s next: the board offered to share the students’ blueprint with community partners and to follow up on funding and replication support; students said they will continue drives and pursue 501(c)(3) status.