Students and staff from the International School of Minnesota (ISM) collected 2,184 pounds of food and necessities for Eden Prairie’s PROP Food during their annual ISM Against Hunger drive.
Sarah Bianucci, ISM’s student life coordinator, said that when she and some students dropped off the food to PROP on Nov. 6, they were told that 2,700 pounds of food leave PROP’s facility each day.
“ISM’s 2023 contribution will definitely help in their efforts in donating time, money, and food to our neighbors who are trying to build a more secure future,” Bianucci said.
Senior Aarya Batchu, who is deputy head prefect of social responsibility in ISM’s Student Life Organization, said that ISM Against Hunger is a longstanding initiative and tradition. The effort incorporates all grade levels while giving back to the local community.
“I am very thankful for everyone that donated,” Batchu said. “I am proud of the ISM community for reaching and surpassing our goal of 1,800 pounds.”
Kindergartener Ayan Jassim holds the role of ISM Against Hunger Junior Ambassador. Last year, Jassim collected 430 pounds of food for this initiative, and this year also collected a large portion of the donations.
Jassim said he was happy to help. “People are hungry, so I was able to collect food to help feed them,” he said.
Jassim said his favorite part about collecting donations from his neighbors was that, “When they gave me food for ISM Against Hunger, I gave them donuts in return.”
PROP Food supports families in Eden Prairie and Chanhassen, including with short-term emergency food supplies. PROP can be reached at 952-937-9120 or via their website.
PROP is always in need of donations, financial support, and volunteers. Their most-needed donation items can be viewed here.
Donations can be dropped off from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, as well as from 3 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. To learn how to set up a food drive for PROP, email prop@propfood.org.
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