Spartans Help Feed Central Texans Ahead of Thanksgiving

9th and 10th grade students teamed up to battle 11th and 12th graders, in a Student Government-sponsored food drive on campus, to ensure every Austin resident is food secure throughout the holiday season. Administration incentivized and sweetened the deal by gifting the winning team with free seating at lunch (if the winning group donated at least 200 items).

Katie Krauss ’26, who has spearheaded this effort for the last two years, initially worked with the Central Texas Food Bank to determine the most needed items on their shelves. 

 

Krauss’ previous experience volunteering with the Central Texas Food Bank — first as a child in elementary school with her family and then again her freshman year at St. Stephen’s through the Service Learning program — came in handy this year. She views the leadership role as a good way to continue helping and supporting local families.

 

“It's really great to see the impact that all of this makes,” said Krauss. “It really makes me thankful for what I have, and what I know everyone at this school has, and I really just love to give back to the community in this way.”

Her marketing strategy included email and printed flyers that she posted around campus. She also made several announcements at lunch during the drive to remind students to bring their donations between November 11th and November 19th.

 

“Lunch announcements and sending out emails really worked,” said Krauss while standing next to the large brown boxes in the lobby of the Helm Fine Arts Center. They were filled with non-perishable food items such as peanut butter, pasta, canned meat, vegetables and fruit.

 

She said she could tell just by glancing at the overflowing boxes that students donated more this year than last. After a few last minute donations came rolling in, Krauss started counting everything. The grand total: 652 donated items. And the winners (drum roll, please...) the UPPERCLASSMEN! Congratulations 11th and 12th graders!

“A big thank you!” said Krauss. “Everyone pitched in a lot. I'm just thankful for everyone who donated this much."