Orchard Farm High School Triumphs in Tackle Hunger Food Drive

During the week of September 15-19, Orchard Farm High School students enthusiastically participated in the Tackle Hunger Food Drive, an initiative hosted by KSDK and sponsored by Operation Food Search, 5 On Your Side, and Neighbor's Credit Union. The drive aimed to collect 75,000 pounds of food to support those affected by the May 16 tornado, with weekly rivalry football games fueling motivation and participation.

In the fourth week, Orchard Farm faced off against St. Charles West High School, both on the football field and in the food drive. The rivalry inspired students and the community to donate generously, with a strong sense of school pride driving contributions.

Incentives and Community Engagement

To encourage donations, the Principal’s Council introduced a raffle system: for every five items donated, students earned a raffle entry. At the end of the week, three winners were drawn and announced at lunch, with prizes including a $50 gift card to the school spirit store and two $25 gift cards. The Student Council, Captain’s Council, and National Honor Society promoted the drive through social media and flyers, ensuring widespread awareness.

KSDK visited the school on the second day to interview students about their strategies and messages for St. Charles West. The broader community also played a vital role, with many residents dropping off donations throughout the week. Orchard Farm Elementary and Discovery Elementary contributed significantly, and the high school football team visited both schools to express their gratitude.

Record-Breaking Results

Orchard Farm’s efforts paid off, collecting an impressive 3,759 pounds of donations, far surpassing St. Charles West’s 989 pounds. Incarnate Word Academy also contributed 4,328 pounds, bringing the total to 9,076 pounds—enough to feed over 3,000 people for a day.

The food drive victory was complemented by a decisive win on the football field, with Orchard Farm defeating St. Charles West 49-14. The community’s support was evident, with strong attendance and spirited cheering, helping the team advance to a 4-0 record.

Celebrating School Spirit and Community Generosity

The Tackle Hunger Food Drive showcased Orchard Farm’s school spirit, community involvement, and commitment to helping those in need. The overwhelming response demonstrated the community’s willingness to support one another and make a positive impact.

Eagle’s View is a student-run column in partnership with Orchard Farm High School.