Madison Reporter

Middleton Meals Matter, a nonprofit organization run by students from Middleton High School, has received a $3,000 grant from By Youth For Youth (BYFY) to combat food insecurity.

BYFY is a program led by high school students focused on making investments in youth-driven initiatives in Dane County. The grant award ceremony took place on April 28, attended by Middleton Meals Matter leaders and their advisor, Brad Crandell, who is also the Assistant Athletic Director.

Noah Duckett, a co-founder and senior student at Middleton High School, announced, “We will be using the BYFY funding to hold an inaugural event called A Taste of Change: Celebrating One Year of Middleton Meals Matter.” The planned gala will include a fundraiser, keynote speech, and food offerings, celebrating the group's efforts over the past year.

The date and location for the gala are yet to be announced. Duckett emphasized the significance of the grant in furthering the organization’s goal of ensuring access to nutritious meals while motivating future volunteers. "Receiving this recognition truly allows us to feel a sense of pride in what we are doing," he stated, underscoring the organization's ambition to challenge food and housing insecurity in the community.

In addition to planning the gala, Middleton Meals Matter is organizing a series of food drives as part of the Week Against Hunger, starting May 4. These will take place at Metro Market and Willy Street Coop locations in Middleton and aim to support WayForward Resources, a local organization focused on providing food to those in need.

The group will also collaborate with MCPASD elementary schools the week beginning May 5, collecting food donations for WayForward Resources with drop-off barrels at various schools.

Since its inception, Middleton Meals Matter has collected about 40,000 pounds of food and raised $20,000. They are expanding, establishing branches at Madison West and Vel Phillips Memorial High Schools.

Duckett addressed the misconception that food and housing insecurity aren't prevalent in Dane County, stating, “We would like everyone to be aware of this crisis," and extending an invitation for community involvement in their initiatives.

More information on supporting the nonprofit and volunteer opportunities can be found on the Middleton Meals Matter website.