PTHS senior launches food packing effort
PONTIAC – Libby Larkin knows where her next meal is coming from but realizes not all kids do.
This is why the Pontiac Township High School senior created “Packaging a Little Bit of Hope” in 2018, hosting events to package meals for kids and families suffering from food insecurity.
The 17-year-old hopes to distribute 100,000 meals throughout the state this Saturday, March 4, at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. She is looking for 150 volunteers for two shifts in order to package the meals in four hours. Shifts are available from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
“Becoming involved as a volunteer at a food packaging event in 2017 opened my eyes to how many people do not have daily access to nutritious meals right here in our own communities,” said Larkin.
Larkin has partnered with Meals of Hope to purchase the bulk raw food material and to rent packaging equipment. The cost to package one meal is 32 cents and she will continue to fundraise until her goal is met.
To sign-up to volunteer, visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0544acac2ca0fa7-packaging?useFullSite=true#/. You can also find the page, “Packaging a Little Bit of Hope” on Facebook. If you can’t schedule a shift, contact Livingston County 4-H and help Larkin donate meals to fight food insecurity by calling 815-842-1776. More than 70 people can be fed with $10.00.
Since that first event in 2018, Larkin has hosted six food packaging events with the help of 429 volunteers. She has secured $27,250 in donations and grants to support the food packaging effort. Together, Larkin and a team of volunteers have packaged 119,822 oatmeal, mac & cheese, spaghetti and rice casserole meals which were distributed throughout Central Illinois and to international areas of conflict and unrest, with the help of Midwest Food Bank.
“I know that I cannot change the world all by myself but I do believe that with the combined efforts of my family, many volunteers, food packaging companies and donors, we can make a difference in a community experiencing food insecurity,” Larkin said.
Larkin is active in the Pontiac FFA, Key Club and Livingston County 4-H where she holds leadership roles and volunteers many hours to support her passion for all things agriculture. In her spare time, you can find Larkin spending time on her family farm in rural Odell or on the golf course.
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