Once a year, the WIlder-Waite Grade School 5th graders make a trek to Midwest Food Bank Peoria. Once here, the students learn about food insecurity and the mission of MFB. This year, rain was not enough to deter them from their 2.5-mile hike.
Mrs. Michelle Arnott and Mr. Jeremy Conlee shepherded 40 students to MFB Peoria on Monday, May 17. The children watched a short video about MFB and toured our warehouse. Then, they sampled Tender Mercies, MFB's tasty bagged meal of seasoned rice and beans. A service project rounded out their visit - packaging enough bulk granola to feed 5,500 people.
"We love bringing our students to Midwest Food Bank each year so they can learn about how important it is to give back to the community, says Mrs Arnott. "The students find joy in helping with the service project each year on the field trip and many come back with their families to help."
MFB Peoria loves teaching children about the emergency/charity food system and watching their passion and energy as they make an impact.
"The Wilder-Waite students were engaged, asking many questions," says Monica Scheuer, Executive Director of MFB Peoria. "We had as much fun as they did."
"Our students love learning about Midwest Food Bank and many are surprised to know that so many families in our own community need help and benefit from Midwest Food Bank," says Mrs. Arnott.