Editor’s note: Anyone interested in helping the Kentwood High food drive effort contact the school at 253-373-7680

We all want to conquer poverty in our community. As a senior at Kentwood High School, home of the Conquerors, I am proud to say my school hosts Munch Madness every November. Last year alone, our school raised 30,000 pounds of food for Puget Sound food banks, and this year we hope to reach and surpass last year’s goal. Our school has raised over 10,000 pounds over the past few weeks, and Kentwood students are reaching out to neighborhoods, friends and grocery stores.

With the economy taking a toll on everyone, the need for food is greater than ever. Shockingly, almost 15 percent of American households lack adequate food and this year supply is down. One local food bank reported 2,500 visitors a day, up from 1,800 a day in 2008. On behalf of Kentwood High School, I ask you to join our school’s goal: to conquer hunger. We believe if a bunch of teenagers can raise thousands of pounds of food, we can motivate the rest of our community to join us.

If you or your organization is interested in supporting our school effort in any way, any donation can help. Even if you or your company donates one can of soup or one dollar for our cause, then you can help Kentwood conquer our community’s hunger.

Nicole Schreiber

Kent