Building Leaders Through Service: Elizabethtown College Bonner Program’s Impact at Midwest Food Bank
For students at Elizabethtown College, the Bonner Program offers a unique opportunity to grow while serving their communities. This four-year initiative pairs students with local nonprofits, including Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania, where they gain hands-on experience, develop critical skills, and leave a lasting impact.
What is the Bonner Program?
The Bonner Program is a national initiative focusing on community engagement and leadership development. At Elizabethtown College, participants commit to 10 hours of weekly service at a partner nonprofit. Students build a deeper understanding of community needs, refine their problem-solving skills, and foster a strong sense of civic responsibility.
At Midwest Food Bank, Bonner participants play an integral role in ensuring the smooth operation of food relief services. From administrative tasks to warehouse work, these students contribute their time and energy to help distribute millions of pounds of food annually.
Student Spotlights: Leadership in Action
Olivia Goebel is a a third-year Bonner partner. Her journey has been one of growth and discovery. Not only has she become forklift-certified—an unusual but valuable skill—but she has also taken on leadership roles like organizing service projects for her peers. Recently, Olivia led a group of students from the Food Recovery Network in a weekend warehouse initiative, demonstrating her ability to inspire and coordinate others.
“I enjoy my time at Midwest Food Bank,” Olivia shares. “I have learned a lot about the charitable food system and how the food provided by Midwest helps pantries and food programs.
Fellow students Zach Kleinfelter and Lauren Woodruff are in their second year of service with Midwest Food Bank. Their contributions range from fulfilling agency orders to assisting with volunteer groups, highlighting the diverse ways students can support our mission.
Mutual Benefits of Service
The Bonner Program is a win-win for students and nonprofits. According to Janice Reinke, Food Procurement and Distribution Manager at Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania, “We are thankful for the Etown students—they are part of our team, always willing to pitch in and do what it takes to get the job done.”
The Bigger Picture: Leadership Through Service
By connecting classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, students gain a deeper understanding of societal issues and the skills needed to address them. This partnership strengthens operations for nonprofits like Midwest Food Bank while fostering the next generation of community leaders.
