Brookridge Day School turns shortages into learning opportunity as students collect 3,500 pounds of food

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An Overland Park school transformed a community crisis into a powerful teaching moment, challenging students to help restock food banks stretched thin by recent government disruptions.

Brookridge Day School students collected 3,510 pounds of food that's more than 15 pounds per student.

"When we started, I was like ... maybe we'll get to 1,000 pounds. 1,000 sounded like a lot to me, and then we hit 1,000 within the first few days," said Miles Holliday, HR coordinator at Brookridge Day School.

The food drive became more than just a collection effort. Teachers used the moment to help students understand why their contributions mattered and how their actions fit into addressing a larger community need.

"It's important to me ... because other families can't