Hunger.
A word that terrifies everyone.
For many, it can be solved by simply getting a snack out of a pantry, but for others, it is a constant in their lives.
Carlmont’s annual food drive started on Nov. 6 and ended on Nov. 17. Students brought canned foods and non-perishables to the ASB room or their second-period class. The class that collected the most cans and non-perishables will be rewarded with donuts provided by ASB.
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the spirit of giving to those in need is widespread. Students at Carlmont embrace this spirit by participating in the annual food drive to help people in need of food.
“It [the food drive] has been really successful in the past, and I think it definitely gives students a good sense of purpose. It [donating] is a good thing to do around the holidays,” said Liz Boman, a senior and the Do Something Commission supervisor.
All of the cans and non-perishables that Carlmont collects will be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank.
The Second Harvest Food Bank is a non-profit agency that was founded in 1974 and is one of the largest food banks in the nation, providing food for more than a quarter of a million people per month in just the Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.
“Our role at Second Harvest is to connect people in need to food because food is a foundation for being healthy,” said Diane Hayward, the Public Relations for the Second Harvest Food Bank in the Santa Clara and San Mateo counties .
According to Second Harvest Food Bank, the price of living in Silicon Valley is so costly that starvatiom and malnutrition are prevalent.
Carlmont aspires to help these people by donating to the food drive.
To increase participation, some teachers give extra credit to students who donate food. Even without this motivation, students still donate for the sake of assisting people in need.
“It makes me feel good knowing that I’m helping others,” said Melina Dimick, a sophomore. “Everyone deserves a nice meal.”
As the spirit of helping others and giving to those in need travels through Carlmont, students help drive hunger away one can at a time.