Seventh Graders Use Project-Based Learning to Explore Food Insecurity

In a two-day, project-based learning program, St. Luke’s seventh graders had the opportunity to connect their in-classroom learning to experiences that go far beyond the St. Luke’s campus. 

The “Me-to-We” program allowed students to explore what it means to live securely in the United States. On the first day, students read articles, analyzed statistics, and participated in student-directed activities to learn about food access, housing prices, inflation, transportation, and more. Their research provided them with a context for what it means to have ample food, stable housing, and adequate transportation. It also increased their awareness of our area's local nonprofits. 

On the second day, students headed to local nonprofits, including Open Doors, DOMUS, Person-to-Person, and the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, to interview the organizations’ leaders and explore how they can help build community locally. Finally, they wrapped the day with a grocery store activity. They visited local grocery stores to "shop" for a week's worth of food to provide a balanced diet (based on their learning in science) for a family of five living on the Connecticut minimum wage.

When reflecting on the day, Gavin Krisher ‘27 shared, “Even though something might be hard, if it helps others, it's worth doing it.”

Another student, Charlotte Harris ‘27, said, "I found it really cool and inspiring because I got to learn what different people go through in our community, and I got to help organize and make a difference at the Fairfield Food Bank. It would be cool to go back and do more of this work, especially since I started to build relationships with the people I met there." 
 
When speaking about his time at Person-to-Person, Joe Fraser ‘27 stated, "The trip was very inspiring. It makes me want to go back to volunteer over the summer.” 

To see additional pictures from the service day, click here.