7th Grader Mobilizes Community to Address Food Insecurity

In Loudoun, Fairfax, and Arlington counties, more than 25% of students rely on the free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch program. But what about after school and during weekends?

Seventh grader Jackson Bernstein mobilized volunteers to help address the issue of food insecurity at South County High School. He was inspired to do so after volunteering at Food For Neighbors events over the past two years. “I was surprised to learn about food scarcity and that there are kids my age who try to learn while they are hungry. I wouldn’t want that for anyone,” Jackson said.

Haylee Bernstein, Jackson’s mom, recalls that the first time they helped sort food at a Food For Neighbors event Jackson asked her about the shelf-stable food he saw. “We talked about easy to-access food for kids that are hungry. It really hit home that not every child can just open up a refrigerator and grab whatever they want to eat.”

For his “Mitzvah project” (a good deed leading up to his Bar Mitzvah in November), Jackson organized a food drive, collecting nearly 1,500 shelf-stable food and toiletry items in support of the Food For Neighbors Red Bag Program at South County High School.

The Red Bag Program, which mobilizes individuals to shop for shelf-stable items and set them on their doorsteps for collection, is the heart of Food For Neighbors and allows the organization to provide a reliable source of supplemental food for local students on a weekly basis. Drivers pick up the filled bag from the donor’s front door, then volunteers sort and deliver the food to local schools the same day. At the schools, social workers and other staff identify students in need and connect them with these vital resources.

In organizing his food drive, Jackson created an Amazon wish list with a QR code and sent it to friends and neighbors. “I was so excited each time an Amazon box arrived,” he said. “The donations filled my garage!” Jackson collected and categorized the donations at his home, then brought them to the inaugural collection and sorting event at South County High School, the newest of nine Red Bag Event collection and sorting sites throughout Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties.

South County Red Bag Event Coordinator Karen McGuinness was so grateful that Jackson chose Food For Neighbors as the recipient for his donation. “It took our entire volunteer staff to unload, unpack, and stock all of his donations. It was truly incredible,” McGuinness said. “Our students have and will continue to thrive off of his generosity.”

By distributing resources through schools, Food For Neighbors provides easy access to a reliable, nutritious food source. Removing the obstacle of hunger adds immensely to the quality of life for these students, who then have the opportunity to focus on their education and relationships. With less pressure to work long hours to provide for themselves and their families, students can remain in school. While there, they are better able to stay focused, as hunger is not interfering with higher thinking. “Food For Neighbors empowers children to live healthy lives, where they may thrive and succeed in school,” said Karen Joseph, Food For Neighbors Founder and Executive Director. “Longer term, being better students helps them become successful community members, which lifts up everyone.”

Food For Neighbors partners with 42 secondary schools to help approximately 5,800 students, many of whom receive support weekly. In 2023, the nonprofit is on track to provide over 100,000 pounds of food and toiletries and more than $140,000 in grocery store gift cards.

When asked what motivated her to lead the Red Bag events for South County, McGuinness said, “I have four kids at South County schools, but it wasn’t until this year that I was exposed to students struggling with food insecurity in our schools. It broke my heart and kept me awake at night.”

McGuinness is grateful to volunteers like Jackson, who have helped the program grow. “Knowing the food I collected is going to kids like me so they will not go hungry is really rewarding,” reflected Jackson. “I was grateful to everyone who helped with donations.”

Food For Neighbors is expanding the South County program and will be relying on the community to help fill Red Bags for the food drives. “We have such a giving community at South County,” McGuinness said, “that I have no doubt we will exceed our hopes and dreams to continue to fill our pantry for those that are in need.”

Food For Neighbors always needs more food and toiletries for the students it supports in a growing number of schools. To donate via the Red Bag Program, visit Food For Neighbors or scan the QR code below.

About Food For Neighbors

Food For Neighbors (FFN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to end child hunger in Northern Virginia. Focusing on the otherwise underserved older students, FFN tackles teen food insecurity by raising awareness, mobilizing communities, and partnering with local middle and high schools to connect supplemental food, toiletries, and grocery store gift cards with students in need.