Programs

Students Change Hunger

A Statewide Student Movement to End Hunger

Students Change Hunger (SCH) is a New Jersey-wide initiative that empowers students to take action against food insecurity. From September 12, 2025, through January 26, 2026, schools and youth organizations across the state will host food drives and fundraisers to support their local food banks and help feed our neighbors in need.

Mercer Street Friends proudly leads this campaign in Mercer County, inviting schools to join our Grades of Giving Winter Warm-up Drive, themed around building hearty vegetarian chili baskets for families.

During the 2024/2025 SCH campaign, 50 schools participated, donating 41,323+ pounds of food and $35,286 to benefit New Jersey food banks. In total, these donated resources supported 140,294 meals for neighbors in need.

2025–2026 Theme: Hearty Vegetarian Chili with Rice

Each grade level is assigned a specific item to contribute to the chili-themed food baskets:

GradeItem to Donate
KindergartenApplesauce or Pudding Cups
1st GradeHot Cocoa Mix
2nd GradeInstant Cookie Mix
3rd GradeCornbread Mix
4th GradeChili Seasoning Packet
5th GradeWhite or Brown Rice
6th GradeCanned Mixed Vegetables
7th GradeShelf-Stable or Powdered Milk
8th GradeInstant Oatmeal Packets
9th GradeCanned Fruit
10th GradeCanned Corn
11th GradeCanned Beans (Kidney, Black, or Pinto)
12th GradeCanned Diced Tomatoes

Who Should Register?

Schools and youth organizations located in Mercer County should register with Mercer Street Friends.

Our Statewide Partners

Be the change in Mercer County

Creative Food Drive Ideas

  • Boost engagement with these fun and easy ways to host your drive:
  • Send home flyers with donation ideas. Invite local businesses to sponsor a grade.
  • Fill the Bus
    • Collect donations to fill a school bus. Promote the date and celebrate the impact! #FillTheBus
  • Drive-In Movie Night
    • Host an outdoor movie—entry is a food donation. Bring blankets and enjoy! #MovieNightFundraiser
  • Virtual Drive
    • Set up an online fundraiser and share it. Donations go directly to Mercer Street Friends.
  • Raffle for a Cause
    • Give raffle entries for donations. Prizes can be simple and fun!
  • Classroom Competitions
    • Challenge classrooms by grade bands to collect the most themed items.
  • Donation Tracker
    • Use a bulletin board to show progress by grade with themed visuals.
  • Student-Led Promotions
    • Let students promote their grade’s item via announcements, posters, and mini-presentations.
  • Themed Spirit Days
    • Pair donation days with dress-up themes.
      • Cozy Cocoa Day – Wear sweaters, bring cocoa mix
      • Veggie Power Day – Dress in green, bring canned veggies
  • Family & Community Help
    • Send home flyers with donation ideas. Invite local businesses to sponsor a grade.
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