At just ten years old, I discovered something that broke my heart: not every child in my school had enough food to eat over the weekend. I couldn’t ignore it, so I decided to do something about it. That’s when Kylee’s Kare Kits for Kidz, Inc. was born.
Three years later, I’m now thirteen, and what started as a small idea has grown into something much larger than I could have ever imagined.
Food Insecurity: A Hidden Problem
Many people don’t realize how common food insecurity is, even in our own communities. I only began to understand it when I noticed so many of my classmates eating breakfast at school every day. It made me wonder: if they needed breakfast provided, what did they do when school wasn’t in session?
After learning about the challenges some families face, I felt a strong responsibility to help. My grandmother and I brainstormed ways to provide food to these children for the weekends, and we came up with the idea of “kare kits.”
Building a Movement, One Kare Kit at a Time
We started small—just 10 kare kits each week. Each kit contained simple, nutritious, and kid-friendly food like cereal, juice, soup, fruit cups, and snacks. As word spread about our project, people in the community began to rally behind us. Friends, neighbors, teachers, and even local businesses stepped up to help.
Now, we provide food to 204 children every weekend! Knowing that these kids can go to bed with full stomachs makes every bit of effort worth it.
The Joy of Giving
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been witnessing the kindness and generosity of others. Whether it’s someone donating food, volunteering to pack kits, or simply sharing encouraging words, every act of support has meant the world to me.
I’ve learned that even the smallest act of kindness can create a ripple effect that changes lives. By helping one person, you inspire others to do the same—and together, we can build something truly amazing.
How You Can Make a Difference
Food insecurity isn’t just a problem in my community; it’s an issue that affects children everywhere. If you’re inspired by my story, here are some ways you can get involved:
- Start your own program in your community to help kids in need.
- Donate to local food banks or charities.
- Volunteer your time to organizations fighting hunger.
- Spread awareness about food insecurity and encourage others to take action.
Remember, age doesn’t matter. If a ten-year-old can start something impactful, so can you!