North Platte needs more food. The coronavirus has caused an economic crisis in our community, and student council wants you to help more than ever before. 

Sponsor Ashley Werkmeister said more local families are relying on food pantries to ease their hunger.

“Many food drives have either been canceled or postponed, so the pantries we supply are needing donations now more than ever to stock the shelves,” she said. 

The student council canned food drive kicked off at NPHS on Monday and wraps up today. Vice president Baylee Steele said COVID has forced a few new changes. “Our school and city are in much need of resources just because of the circumstances that we have had to face this year,” the senior said. “We are taking extra precautions to ensure that it is done safely.”

This year, food drives are different because food is needed more than ever. According to Feeding America, in Nebraska, one in eight people struggle with hunger. Student council is excited to be able to finally do something to help. “Those who are in need are especially in mind, going into the food drive, ” said president Haeley Folk. “To me, this food drive is an amazing way to give back to our community.”

Steele enjoys seeing the school come together to raise a crazy amount of money and canned goods. “At the end of the week is when the food banks come and pick up their food, and it is one of the most rewarding feelings,” she said.

Students can donate canned food or money to your bulldog time. Students may also pay to wear a hat to school to raise money, council members said. “As an incentive, if your grade meets the goal set by the student council, your grade will be rewarded with pizza at lunch,” said Folk. “This is an extra way to make things a little bit more competitive around the school while still encouraging students to give back during the holidays.” 

Volunteers from The Salvation Army, Grace Ministries Food Pantry, and St. Pat’s Catholic Food Pantry will pick up the food on Friday, according to Werkmeister. “Each year, we split up the food and money donations into thirds,” she said. “That is always my favorite part.”