In the middle of the Genesee Valley, right in the heart of the community it cares for, the Mount Morris Campus of Genesee Valley BOCES started a meaningful journey. Recognizing the pressing needs of its students and their families from 11 school districts, the campus became a beacon of hope by partnering with Foodlink, a Rochester-based nonprofit with a mission to leverage the power of food to end hunger and build healthier communities.

Foodlink, known for its dedication to eradicating hunger and fostering healthier communities, found a committed ally in the Mount Morris Campus. With a sprawling service area encompassing 10 counties, Foodlink has been at the forefront of addressing both the immediate and underlying issues of food insecurity. Through innovative programs, emergency food distribution, and advocacy for equitable food systems, Foodlink and the Mount Morris Campus embarked on a joint venture to make a tangible difference.

The initiative at the Mount Morris Campus took shape through the distribution of food to students and their families in need. Recognizing the challenges of ensuring a steady supply of nutritious food, representatives from Foodlink visited the site, laying out the entire process of supply, which occasionally involved purchasing food directly due to variations in donations. Determined to meet the community's needs, coordinators and staff began stockpiling resources, prepared for when the demand would inevitably rise.

Aware of the urgency, staff members were briefed on identifying and communicating the needs of students requiring assistance. In response, various programs and classrooms initiated fundraisers and drives, such as canned food collections, to support Foodlink's mission. Brianna Wood and Deirdre Pehrson, working tirelessly, sought corporate donations to provide more balanced meals for families. This effort led to a dual approach: sometimes meals were prepared and sent home, and at other times, ingredients were provided for families to cook together, embracing the joy of shared meal preparation despite the busy and often challenging lives they led.

Transparency and trust marked the relationship between the school and the families it served. One touching instance involved a family that, upon regaining their financial footing, requested that the aid they had received be directed to others still in need. This gesture of community and mutual support underscored the impact of the program.

Gratitude permeated the atmosphere, from parents and students alike. Small gestures, like providing a student's little brother with his favorite graham crackers, left lasting impressions. Beyond mere sustenance, the availability of snacks and meals throughout the school day and the consideration of extending the program into the summer reflected the program's deep commitment to student well-being.

Foodlink's support, including the provision of essential equipment like freezers and carts for food transportation, along with training in food safety, bolstered the campus's efforts. This collaboration was further enriched by contributions from local businesses and organizations such as Wegmans, Target, and The Father's House, showcasing a community united in its resolve to support its youngest members.

The project also served as a learning and empowerment platform for students, particularly those in the Human Services program, who took on significant roles in organizing, preparing, and distributing food. Their dedication shone brightly, demonstrating the profound impact of teaching young people about service, empathy, and community support.

As the initiative gained momentum, it sparked further engagement across the campus, with clubs like SkillsUSA exploring how they could contribute to the cause. This domino effect of compassion and action highlighted the profound difference a community can make when united by a common goal of ensuring no child goes hungry and every family has access to nutritious food.

In reflecting on the journey, Michelle Caton, Coordinator of Student Services, encapsulated the sentiment of all involved, marveling at the outpouring of support and the tangible difference the program is making in the lives of students and their families. The partnership between the Genesee Valley BOCES Mount Morris Campus and Foodlink exemplifies how institutions can work together to address urgent community needs, proving that food is more than sustenance—it's a catalyst for community health, empowerment, and unity.