THE NEXT MEAL: Engaging Youth In Service Through Dr. King’s Legacy
By Kristy Verdi
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s profound belief in service as a moral obligation has deeply influenced my life and mission. His words echo not only in my personal philosophy but also in the work we do at Learn and Serve Tampa Inc.
Every year, on the third Monday of January, the nation honors Dr. King with a federal holiday, also recognized as a National Day of Service. This day underscores his conviction that serving others is essential to leading a purposeful life and building a better society.
At Learn and Serve Tampa, we bring this philosophy to life by introducing youth to meaningful community service early. Each year, we create opportunities for Tampa Bay youth to tackle real-world issues through service. This year, we focused on food insecurity, a pressing issue that becomes more acute after the holiday donation surges subside. By February, many food pantries begin to run dry, and by March, some even close their doors.
To address this, we designed a structured food drive project, making it simple for teachers and youth leaders to guide their groups. But our goal extends beyond food collection; we aim to spark critical thinking and empower youth to address the root causes of societal issues.
The Power of Questions
When I met with a group of 12- to 14-year-olds in November to kick off their food drive, I anticipated a discussion centered on logistics. Instead, the conversation took a insightful turn. These students began questioning why so many Americans face food insecurity, especially in a nation that ranks among the top food producers in the world.
Their research revealed sobering truths: poverty forces many families to choose between essentials like heat, clothing, transportation, and food. Shockingly, even teachers, military families, and veterans often face food insecurity. For these students, the revelation that those who educate our children and defend our country might struggle to afford their next meal was both eye-opening and motivating.
Food Insecurity Among Military Families and Veterans
This issue is particularly dire for military families and veterans. Junior enlisted personnel frequently move, disrupting spousal income, and housing costs in desirable areas add financial strain.
According to a RAND Corporation study, around 25.8% of service members met the definition for food insecurity. Meanwhile, older veterans often struggle to qualify for benefits like SNAP due to their VA benefits, and many avoid food assistance programs due to stigma.
The study also revealed around 1.4 million U.S. veterans lack consistent access to nutritious food. Among them, older veterans and those with disabilities are the most affected. With 33% of food-insecure veterans ineligible for government food assistance, the gaps in the system are glaring.
Youth-Led Solutions
While the problem is vast, the ideas from these young thinkers offer hope. They suggested solutions ranging from free food sections in grocery stores to veteran-specific Meals on Wheels programs and higher pay for service members. These discussions were inspiring, showing how youth, when empowered, can contribute fresh perspectives to entrenched problems.
Currently, the group is channeling its energy into actionable steps. They are creating signs, writing letters to food companies, and rallying their peers to restock local food banks. From January 13 to January 24, over 750 youth participants will collaborate to address food insecurity across Tampa Bay.
The Mission of Learn and Serve Tampa
At Learn and Serve Tampa, we champion service-learning, a teaching approach that connects academic lessons to community needs. Our guiding questions are simple yet profound:
How does this lesson benefit society?
How can we apply this knowledge to make a difference?
By encouraging students to view education through the lens of service, we cultivate a generation that values collective well-being. After all, isn’t ensuring that everyone has their next meal a fundamental purpose of a compassionate society?
As we move forward, let’s take inspiration from Dr. King’s vision and the enthusiasm of these young changemakers. Their work today may just plant the seeds for a more equitable tomorrow.
To learn more about Learn and Serve Tampa, visit us on the web at www.learnandservetampa.org.