HelloFresh donated boxes of premade meals to 1,500 Buckeye students today in a campaign to highlight the importance of addressing food insecurity and child hunger before spring break.
The partnership is in its second year with Buckeye Union High School. Some students walked away with two or three boxes, each with at least six meals.
The boxes were sealed with ice and included perishable snacks and desserts.
Karl Gentles, associate director of government relations for HelloFresh, said the meals are vital to some students.
“Our mission is to change the way people eat forever," he said. "Food insecurity...is a major part of our focus because we know that during spring break and all year round, there are children that don't have enough to eat, and in many cases, when you come to school, this is the meal of the day."
HelloFresh said it hoped the boxes would be a stopgap if needed for disadvantaged students.
Gentles said the organization is happy to be here in Buckeye long-term.
"The Southwest Valley and Buckeye are exploding, with a lot of things like industries,” he said. “So, we're here for the long haul. These partnerships matter.”
Gentles said he believes the organization will return next year.
HelloFresh encourages local teachers to nominate families needing its LimeAid program, which provides three months of free meals. All teachers who nominate families in need will enter for a chance to win a gift card for classroom resources and supplies.
BUHSD will be on spring break from March 17 to 21. During that time, staff will hold modified office hours on each campus.
