In February, the students of St. Mary’s Dominican collected nearly 30,000 cans for Second Harvest Food Bank for the school’s 21st Annual Canned Food Drive.
This year, the students donated a record-breaking total of 29,961 cans which will provide over 18,700 meals to the hungry.
“I am so proud of our girls for participating,” said Ms. Aline Delgado, religion teacher. “The canned food drive is about more than bringing in canned foods. It’s about raising awareness for those who experience hunger.”
Every spring, Dominican donates to Second Harvest to help families in the greater New Orleans area. “Dominican does an incredible job with motivating the students to bring in good, hearty and nutritious donations,” said Ms. Emily Slazer, Second Harvest’s food sourcing manager.
Dominican is one of the largest school contributors in the greater New Orleans area to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank. Each year, Dominican students work to increase the amount of food they have donated to Second Harvest in previous years.
“Since 2019, Dominican donated an additional 22,497 pounds of food since their last donation!” said Ms. Slazer.
According to Second Harvest, one in five households are at risk of hunger and the rising cost of food and other hardships have increased the need for help across Louisiana.
“Food is a cornerstone for a healthy life. Without food, you can’t function,” said Ms. Slazer.
The annual food drive exemplifies the Dominican commitment to the pillars of service and community. As a school, the students were encouraged to bring in canned foods to meet the goal of 20,000 cans. Exceeding the goal, students were excited about their achievement.
Senior Hallie Mathern, a member of Campus Ministry, gained a sense of fulfillment when working on the food drive.
“Working with Second Harvest allowed me see the people affected and made me more motivated to serve those in need, ” said Mathern. “I had a feeling to want to help everyone.”
- Gloria Thomas