Volunteers Pack 576 Food Kits for Hungry Students

When school lets out on Friday, about 45 elementary students in Excelsior Springs face a scary reality: no guaranteed meals until Monday morning.

On January 15, volunteers from the Rotary Club, Excelsior Springs Hospital, and the wider community gathered to change that equation. Working together at Excelsior Springs Middle School, they assembled 576 weekend food kits through Feed Northland Kids in just 90 minutes.

"You all filled about 120 bags every 10 minutes," said Chris Donnelli, Director of the Community Food Kit Program. "Awesome on the speed, even though they're not a race."

Each kit contains shelf-stable items designed for small hands to open easily. Two breakfast options, a couple of main meals, and snacks fill every bag. The kits go home with students identified by the school district as most at risk for food insecurity.

"A lot of kids are getting their main nutrition at school," Donnelli explained. "If school's not in session, they're not eating."

The 576 kits represent 13 weeks of weekend support for local students. The food cost $2,880, funded entirely through Feed Northland Kids' community fundraising efforts.

The Ripple Effect

Behind every weekend food kit sits a network of care that extends far beyond volunteer assembly nights. District social worker Kim Curtis coordinates distribution each week, ensuring kits reach the right students. Some families have multiple children, and organizers work closely with the district to adapt as needs change.

"We kind of get the glory and the praise," Donnelli said. "But, Kim is here doing this work every week."

The January build marks the second this school year. Volunteers first gathered in September 2025 to assemble another 576 kits. Feed Northland Kids plans to return for one more build with about nine weeks remaining in the school year.

The volunteer-driven organization depends entirely on community groups across the Northland to keep programs running. When needs arise, groups like the Excelsior Springs Rotary Club step up. Donnelli noted they always need more support. "We don't have enough. We could always use more," he said.

Forty-five students will head home this Friday knowing their weekend includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks waiting in a simple bag packed by neighbors who care.