One hundred students from seven high schools across Gilbert Public Schools and Higley Unified School District joined forces April 23 at the United Food Bank Volunteer Center to package morethan 2,000 meals for Arizona families facing food insecurity. 

The Gilbert Youth Service Celebration, a collaborative effort with Just Serve and United Food Bank, was held in conjunction with Global Youth Service Day. This worldwide initiative recognizes the significant impact young people make in their communities by encouraging individuals aged 5-25 to work together for the common good.

The event brought together student leaders who are involved in service within their respective schools and local communities.

Following an activity that enabled students from the various schools to connect and get to know each other, attendees formed a large but efficient assembly line to pack emergency meal kits.

In approximately one hour, the students successfully packaged 2,200 food bags, each designed to feed a family of four for approximately three days. Each food bag is also supplemented with fresh produce and other essential grocery items.

Participating high schools included Campo Verde High, Desert Ridge High, Gilbert High, Highland High and Mesquite High from Gilbert Public Schools, as well as Higley High and Williams Field High from Higley Unified School District.

The event comes at a critical time as United Food Bank has experienced a surge in demand, increasing from a need of 35,000 emergency food bags per month to 40,000.

In March alone, United Food Bank served 123,000 individuals across Gila, Pinal, and parts of Apache and Navajo counties, in addition to the East Valley of Maricopa County.

"It takes a large effort to meet those needs, so being able to pack over 2,000 of those bags in one event is a massive help,” said Mandy Hodges, director of community engagement at United Food Bank.

At the start of the event, Gilbert Mayor Scott Anderson addressed the students.

“You’re the rising generation, a promising group of young people," he told them. "We want you to have every opportunity to serve one another and those around you. That’s what you’re doing today, and we’re incredibly grateful to you.”

GPS Superintendent and former United Food Bank board member Shane McCord recognized the students' dedication.

“We need you," he sai." You’re the leaders on your campus and in your communities. The world needs the great things you do every single day.”

Higley Unified Superintendent Sherry Richards emphasized the event’s collaborative spirit.

“We’ve joined together to support United Food Bank and address food insecurity across our community," she said. "This volunteer event empowers our students while highlighting the importance of community service.”

The Gilbert Youth Service Celebration was made possible through the support of numerous community organizations, including For Our Town Gilbert, the town of Gilbert, Just Serve, United Food Bank, Gilbert Public Schools, Higley Unified School District and Gilbert City Lifestyle.

Those who wish to learn more about United Food Bank, including information on how to donate, can visit UnitedFoodBank.org.