MVHS Key Club leads urgent food drive to support classmates in need

When the federal government shutdown took effect on Oct. 1 and SNAP benefits were suddenly halted, Mount Vernon High School Principal Cory Caughlan immediately recognized the potential consequences for local families. Many MVHS students rely on SNAP for daily meals, and the abrupt interruption meant food insecurity would likely rise overnight. Within days, Caughlan reached out to the Key Club, one of the school’s largest and most service-driven student organizations and asked if they would be willing to take action. They didn’t hesitate.

Key Club advisors Jacklyn ‘Jax’ LeMaster and Patty Jackson quickly gathered their 60 members from across all grade levels and began organizing a schoolwide food drive. Their goal was simple but urgent: Collect non-perishable food and toiletry items for students and families in need. The response from the school and community was immediate, and within just a few weeks, the effort had grown into something larger than anyone anticipated.

More than 5,000 items have already been donated, and 20 students and their families have privately come forward seeking assistance. Based on district data and teacher observations, the school estimates that around 100 students could benefit from the food drive’s resources. To protect the dignity and privacy of those receiving support, the operation is run entirely anonymously. Students do not know who receives the cinch bags or boxes filled with food, and some parents have been able to pick up donations after school hours to maintain confidentiality.

For LeMaster, the outpouring of generosity has been deeply moving. "The community and teachers have been amazing. We have had an outpouring of support," she said, noting that families, staff members, and local residents have all stepped up to contribute. She said the donations have been "from the heart," and shared that the boxes and cinch bags being distributed "may be the most a student and their family have had in their pantry in a long time."

To ensure the bags contain meaningful, useful items, LeMaster and Jackson reached out to the Salvation Army and Interchurch Social Services of Knox County for guidance on what to include in a cinch bag or box that will be donated. The recommendation was to pack each bag or box with enough food to last a family three days, in case transportation challenges prevent them from returning immediately. With this in mind, students work together to fill the bags with staple items: Pasta, canned goods, breakfast foods, hygiene items, and toiletries, making each bag or box substantial enough to give families a little breathing room.

Key Club President Ellie Mack shared that her favorite part of the project has been "packing the bags up"; explaining that it’s rewarding to see the items come together into something that will make an immediate difference in someone’s life. Fellow member Madeline Springer has been equally inspired by the kindness of community members. "My favorite part has been watching community members bring food in for our students," she said, reflecting on how meaningful it has been to see neighbors caring for one another.

For other students, the project has sparked a deeper understanding of food insecurity within their own school. Iman Odiah explained that participating in the food drive has put things in perspective. "It really makes you feel something when you know this is going to your community," she said. Classmate Miles Fawcett echoed this sentiment, noting how impactful it feels to take part in something bigger than himself. "It makes you feel good that you are doing something to help make an impact," he said.

Perhaps one of the most eye-opening realizations came from student Zoe Schemrich, who shared that participating in the food drive changed the way she sees her peers. She said, "the experience inspired me to realize that the food may be going to the student right next to you without you ever knowing." It's a reminder that food insecurity often remains invisible.

Because asking for help can be intimidating, especially for teens, the Key Club and their advisors want students to know this process is designed to be safe, private, and judgment-free. Jackson emphasized that students should not feel shy, scared, or embarrassed. They are encouraged to reach out directly to Principal Caughlan at ccaughlan@mvcsd.us if they need assistance. The Jacket Journal media team is currently producing a video to spread the word among students, ensuring everyone knows that help is available and can be requested discreetly.

Caughlan has arranged private pickup times for students and families, ensuring that no peers or teachers know who is receiving the donation. Some families have chosen to pick up after school hours, a system that has worked well for those preferring additional privacy. The goal is not just to provide food, but to create a compassionate and supportive environment where students feel safe seeking help.

LeMaster and Jackson have committed to continuing the program for as long as the need exists, and as long as donations keep coming. Based on the early response from the community, they’re confident the food drive will continue to grow and serve more families in the months ahead.

Community members who wish to support the effort can donate non-perishable food items and toiletries by dropping them off at the MVHS office during school hours. Every contribution helps, and every item goes directly to a student or family in need.

In a moment of national uncertainty, Mount Vernon High School has shown what community truly means. Through empathy, service, and a willingness to help one another, the Key Club and its advisors have built a program that brings hope, dignity, and nourishment to students who need it most, and they stand ready to continue this work as long as it is needed.