WJH Global Pantry Fund: Our Story

Each year, 7th graders at Winterset Junior High explore the issue of global hunger as part of their Global Studies curriculum. Students learn that hunger affects millions of people, not just in distant countries, but also right here in Iowa. This year, our students wanted to do more than simply study the issue. They wanted to take action.

Packaging 20,000 Meals With Meals From the Heartland

To provide a meaningful, hands-on learning experience, all 7th grade students will participate in a meal-packaging event with Meals From the Heartland. Together, our students will work as a team to package 20,000 meals, which will be distributed to help malnourished individuals in Iowa, across the United States, and around the world.

In order to participate in this event, we must raise $3,500 which covers half the cost of the ingredients and materials needed for the meals we will pack (Meals From the Heartland covers the other half). Every dollar helps us get closer to making this experience possible for every 7th grader.

Empowering Students to Give Locally and Globally

But our learning doesn’t stop there. As part of this project, students will also study a variety of organizations—local, state, national, and global—that fight hunger in different ways. Any money raised beyond the initial $3,500 will be donated to hunger-relief organizations chosen by the students themselves.

Using a whole class created rating scale, the students will evaluate which organizations would make the greatest impact. Then, in small groups, they will decide where the remaining funds should go. This gives students a real world opportunity to think critically, collaborate, and make informed decisions about helping others.

Why Your Support Matters

Your donation not only feeds families-it empowers students to learn, lead, and serve. By supporting the WJH Global Pantry Fund, you are helping 7th graders take meaningful action in the fight against hunger while gaining an authentic understanding of global citizenship.

Thank you for helping our students make a difference in our community and beyond.

All 7th Grade students will take part in this program