Chances are, you’ve heard about the food drive at Natick High School. This event acquired an incredible total of 9,330 items of food. However, few people know just how great of an impact this made on the community in and around Natick.

Students brought in as much food as they were able and willing, with three classes bringing over 1,000 items total. Classrooms competed to win a party by bringing in the most food. This was not only a fun challenge, but an impactful one.

The student council, who put together this food drive, chose to donate the food to A Place To Turn. A Place To Turn is a food pantry in Natick that supplies people in need with a selection of foods to choose from, much like the layout of a grocery store. 

The donation A Place To Turn received from Natick High School was the largest donation they have received from a single food drive. This donation won’t just help families in Natick, but 375,000 households across the entirety of Metrowest Massachusetts.

In the past 10 years, the number of families in Massachusetts struggling with food insecurity has seen a 70% increase. This creates a serious issue and, though Natick High School has done an amazing job accumulating food for those in need, there is still more to be done. 

So, as a part of the Natick community, continue helping neighbors. With the help of Natick High School, many more people were able to enjoy Thanksgiving with food on their plate. Together, we can ensure these people have food on their plate year round. Food donations can be brought to A Place To Turn at 99 Hartford St, Natick, MA or a donation can be made online at www.aplacetoturn-natick.org. With everyone’s help, we can decrease the number of families facing food insecurities in Massachusetts.