Quest Kids Academy Students Lead First-Ever Food Drive
For the first time in school history, students from Quest Kids Academy organized and led their own food drive, delivering more than 200 nonperishable items to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Their donations totaled 213 pounds, enough to provide 177 meals for families in need.
Learning through service
The idea for the student‑led food drive grew out of classroom lessons on hunger awareness and how food insecurity affects local families. QKA, which serves students with developmental disabilities, has long emphasized community integration as part of its curriculum. While students were already familiar with volunteering at Second Harvest, the concept of a school food drive was brand new.
“When we first explained what a food drive was, some of our students thought it meant driving food around like Uber Eats,” QKA teacher Camila Blanco said.
Students initially set a modest goal of collecting 50 items. But as enthusiasm grew, they quickly surpassed expectations, ending the campaign with more than four times their original target.
A lesson in hunger awareness
QKA equips students with academic, social and practical skills to foster independence through a well-rounded education. Volunteering at Second Harvest began as a monthly activity to ease students into community service, but it has since evolved into a weekly engagement. The food drive gave students the chance to practice gratitude and teamwork while reinforcing the importance of giving back.
During their visit, Second Harvest staff welcomed the students with a warehouse tour and a presentation on hunger in Central Florida. Philanthropy Manager Arika Richardson asked the students how they feel when they’re hungry.
“Tired,” one student answered. “Angry,” another said.
Arika explained how food provides the energy to grow and thrive, and shared how Second Harvest partners with schools, shelters and community centers to distribute meals.
“There’s more than enough food for everyone; it’s just a matter of getting it to those in need,” Arika said. “It’s really about helping each other because we all go through things in life and have to make sure we are there for one another.”
By the end of the day, students had not only delivered their donations but also gained a deeper understanding of the role they play in fighting hunger. Their first food drive marks the beginning of a new tradition of service, as their impressive food donation helps feed hope across Central Florida.
About Quest Kids Academy
Quest Kids Academy provides a supportive educational setting for children and teens (grades K-12) with autism and other developmental disabilities, with instruction guided by the principles and procedures of ABA therapy. Learn more at Quest Kids Academy — Quest Inc.
