Feeding Caldwell's Hungry Kids: A Community Effort to Provide 26,000 Meals This Summer

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, over 100 volunteers from Caldwell, Idaho, came together to prepare 'pantry packs' for local children in need. The initiative, spearheaded by D&B Supply and MTN Ops, aimed to provide a staggering 26,000 meals to kids who rely on school-based nutrition programs during the summer months.

Nourishing the Future: Caldwell's Commitment to Its Children

Rallying the Community for a Worthy Cause

The Caldwell community demonstrated its unwavering commitment to supporting its youth by mobilizing a team of over 100 volunteers to pack more than 5,000 'pantry packs.' These packs will be distributed through local schools and organizations, ensuring that children in the area have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer break.Mark Schmitt, the President and CEO of D&B Supply, expressed the profound impact of this initiative, stating, "It's more rewarding than I can probably express. If there's anything to do with land, animals, and kids, that's what we're after ultimately, and the kids are our future. As a business and community partner, we need to give back when we can."

Partnering for a Stronger Community

The collaboration between D&B Supply and MTN Ops proved instrumental in the success of this endeavor. Nick Hanks, the COO of MTN Ops, highlighted the importance of their partnership, explaining, "MTN Ops is based out of Utah, so we have a smaller team of eight. We needed badly their volunteers of about 125 people so that we can make sure this runs smoothly."The partnership not only provided the necessary manpower but also fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose within the community. By working together, these organizations were able to make a tangible difference in the lives of Caldwell's children.

Addressing the Summer Nutrition Gap

Caldwell Mayor Jarom Wagoner emphasized the significance of this initiative, acknowledging the challenges faced by some children in the community during the summer months. "Summer is a tough time," he said. "They don't have that food at the school, sometimes they don't have the food at home, so this provides that gap in the summer months when they might not be able to get that food that they need."The pantry packs aim to bridge this gap, ensuring that Caldwell's children have access to the nourishment they require to thrive, even when school-based meal programs are not available.

Empowering Children to Be Children

Allie Pettibone, a D&B employee who helped coordinate the event, expressed the deeper purpose behind this initiative. "We're here to take care of our kids in our community and make sure that they're fed and that's something they don't have to worry about," she said. "To let our kids be kids. You know they worry about way too much these days, and to give them the opportunity to fill their bellies and go outside and have fun and be able to enjoy being a kid. I can't, you know I don't have a price for that."By ensuring that Caldwell's children have access to nutritious meals, the community is empowering them to focus on the joys of childhood, free from the burden of food insecurity.The collective effort of the Caldwell community, spearheaded by D&B Supply and MTN Ops, has set an inspiring example of how a community can come together to support its most vulnerable members. Through this initiative, thousands of children in Caldwell will have the nourishment they need to thrive, paving the way for a brighter future for the entire community.