Make the World Better: 8th Grade Service Learning Addresses Food Insecurity

Many of us realize that when we volunteer in our community, we benefit from the experience as much, if not more, than the recipients of our service. The connections we build through service sustain us in a way that humans deeply desire. Our service learning model at Aspen Academy strives to develop our students' level of engagement in our school community, our local neighborhoods, and our larger society. In simple terms, we live our value of making the world better.

The Eighth Grade service campaign is centered around food insecurity. We are working towards educating ourselves and others about the root causes and possible solutions to this people-centered issue. We are partnered with a few organizations including Nourish - Meals on Wheels, Safe Outdoor Spaces, and Project Angel Heart to develop a broad understanding of the various populations impacted by food insecurity.

We had the pleasure of welcoming Olivia Servaes and Geoffery Groditski from Nourish - Meals on Wheels to our classroom on September 13.  Olivia, the community engagement coordinator, shared stories with our students to help them understand that their program not only provides meals to 550 elderly community members but they provide kinship. Often the visit from Meals on Wheels may be the only personal interaction one of their clients has each day. Many of us felt the lump in our throat when she recounted conversations with clients that shared that the small birthday gesture from Meals on Wheels was the only birthday wish they received. Chef Geoff who has been an executive chef in the Metro area and received an invitation to cook at The James Beard House in New York City found himself in a place with more time to volunteer when Covid impacted his industry. Within two days of volunteering, he offered to rework their program and he hasn't looked back in two years.  He cooks with passion, creativity, and love.  Today's menu included Tandoori Chicken, an offering that may not have been available without Geoff's talent. What a role model for our students. Not only is his servant leadership in our community tremendous, but he also exemplifies living with purpose. 

In addition to two hot meals a day and frozen meals on the weekend, Nourish - Meals on Wheels also delivers basic groceries to their clients. Please join us in filling their pantries by bringing items from their needs list on Friday, October 21.  We look forward to sharing how our generosity impacts our community.

Students and Families are invited to bring these items to school for Service Learning Partner Day on Friday, October 21, 2022:

For more on Service Learning, click here.