Bernadotte Lutheran Church celebrated a successful Food for Kidz Mission Sunday on April 12, bringing together volunteers of all ages for a day of service, fellowship, and community impact.
The annual meal-packing event welcomed 56 volunteers, including members of Bernadotte Lutheran Church and First Lutheran Church, extended family members, friends, and even Lafayette royalty. United by a common goal, participants worked together to help provide nutritious meals for children and families facing food insecurity both in the United States and around the world.
Using six assembly lines, volunteers packed an impressive 18,576 meals—approximately 1,000 more meals than were packed during last year’s event. The accomplishment reflects the dedication and enthusiasm of everyone who participated.
One of the highlights of the day was seeing volunteers from multiple generations working side by side. From experienced adults to young children eager to help, everyone found a way to contribute. Some of the youngest volunteers proudly took on the task of moving heavy boxes onto carts to be loaded onto the truck, demonstrating that every helping hand made a difference.
In addition to packing meals, the event raised $3,460 to support the mission of Food for Kidz. These funds will help further the organization’s efforts to provide nutritious meals to communities in need and extend the impact of the volunteers’ work beyond the packing room.
The day was about more than just packing meals. It was also an opportunity for fellowship and connection. Volunteers enjoyed visiting while they worked, creating an atmosphere filled with teamwork, laughter, and shared purpose. Following the meal-packing effort, participants gathered for a song, a short devotion, and a meal of pizza and pop to celebrate a successful day of service.
Mission Sunday once again demonstrated the power of a community coming together to make a difference. Through the efforts of 56 dedicated volunteers, 18,576 meals will help bring hope and nourishment to children and families near and far. Food for Kidz is grateful for the generosity, energy, and compassion shown by everyone who helped make the event such a success.