AACPS’ Harvest For The Hungry: Kids Helping Kids Kicks Off Today

For 38 years, Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) students have partnered with the Anne Arundel County Food Bank to collect food and funds for families in need.

In 2024, AACPS’ Harvest for the Hungry: Kids Helping Kids drive raised $47,684 and generated 71,741 pounds of food donations (roughly the weight of a mature humpback whale). Participation in the program teaches children valuable lessons about hunger, engages them in giving, and shows them they have the power to make a difference in their community.

One in 10 Anne Arundel County families – more than 66,000 residents – face food insecurity, or the lack of consistent access to enough healthy, nutritious food.

This year’s drive runs the entire month of October. Students can bring food donations from the list below to their schools for collection through October 31. Financial donations can be made online at www.aacps.org/harvest – be sure to designate your child’s school so they receive credit. Every $4 donated provides one meal. Friends and neighbors are encouraged to participate as well.

REQUESTED DONATION ITEMS

Canned Foods

• Fruits and juices
• Vegetables
• Meat, ham and chicken
• Tuna, salmon and sardines
• Stews and soups

Dried Foods (no glass containers, please)

• Evaporated milk
• Powdered milk
• Macaroni and cheese
• Multigrain crackers
• Nuts and seeds
• Oatmeal
• Puddings and custards
• Rice cakes
• Sauces and salad dressings
• Whole grain cereals
• Whole grain pastas

High-Priority Items

• Baby food and formula
• Beans and legumes (one-pound bags)
• Healthy snacks (breakfast bars, dried fruit)
• Nutritional shakes
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Rice (one-pound bags or boxes)

Harvest for the Hungry is the largest annual fundraiser for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank, generating about half of the food and funds it uses to feed local families. All proceeds benefit the food bank.