Middleton students organize successful drives, collecting several tons of food

MIDDLETON, Wis. (WMTV) - Middleton High School students hosted their third and fourth student-led food drives Saturday, hoping to raise awareness and inspire action.

While some high schoolers take the weekend to sleep in and rest, senior and co-founder of Middleton Meals Matter Noah Duckett and his friends gather food the their community instead.

“Because Middleton right now, for the first time in 30 years, it’s like they’re running out of supplies and they’re putting limits on things they haven’t had to before,” Duckett said.

Junior Beatrice Norman is also on the board of the organization, and among the students who were surprised to hear about the increasing food insecurity in Middleton.

“It was shocking to hear,” Norman said. “And you did feel like you had to do something about it because it’s your neighbors, it’s your friends, it’s your community, so you need to do something about it.”

As shoppers entered two area Metro Markets on Saturday, the groups of students handed them lists of needed items. Those who decided to contribute could drop off the nonperishables off in a bin on their way out.

“Wyatt and I, my friend, we kind of wanted to do something big, on a global scale,” Duckett said. “And we were thinking more like clothing, food, but we weren’t sure. So, we met with Mr. Brar, the former mayor of Middleton, and also Mr. Morris out of Kiwanis, and they kind of focused us on Middleton, and how important it is to focus on where we’re at right now.”

In their first two drives held in July, the students collected over 4,000 pounds of food and more than $4,000, breaking the WayForward’s single food drive record.

The students partnered with WayForward Resources, formerly Middleton Outreach Ministry, to launch the nonprofit. More information on Middleton Meals Matter can be found here.

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