Edison Middle School students crush food-drive goals; district highlights matching gifts to feed more families

Edison Middle School Student Council members told the Sioux Falls School District 49-5 board that a recent Drive Out Hunger competition between grades far exceeded expectations, producing thousands of points and thousands of meals for families in need.

Carly King, the counseling secretary at Edison, said the school’s counseling center saw needs beyond the existing backpack program and helped launch an in-school pantry that students can access any day without questions. "Student Council organized, promoted and brought this vision to life," King said.

Three student representatives described the Drive Out Hunger rules, incentives and results: the campaign used a points system (high-need items = 3 points; other items = 1 point; $1 = 10 points) and offered prizes such as tech time and a principals-in-turkey-costume day. According to the students, the drive recorded 13,995 food points, with 1,331 items donated to Edison, 579 items donated to Feeding South Dakota and $2,549 in monetary contributions.

One student described the experience as personal and motivating, saying concern over federal nutrition program disruption had heightened awareness of community needs. The board and attendees applauded the students’ efforts; several trustees praised the initiative as an example of civic service and encouraged future student-led efforts.

Separately, district staff announced an expanded fundraising opportunity: the Hungry Hearts Foundation will match up to $100,000 in donations to the district’s Angel Fund, which pays for meals for children whose families do not qualify for free or reduced-price meals (targeting families in roughly the 185–210% federal poverty range). The presenter noted an elementary meal costs about $3.35 and walked through sample donation impacts (for example, a $10 donation buys roughly three elementary meals; matching funds double that reach). Donations can be made by check, card, Venmo or PayPal; donors who need help are asked to contact their school or the Child Nutrition Office.

Board members commended Edison students and staff for turning concern into organized action. The district noted the student presentations and the Angel Fund match as examples of community partnerships addressing food insecurity.

The board moved on to its regular agenda after recognizing the student group.