Bishop Heelan packs over 117,000 meals for TFJO

Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools held their annual 'Then Feed Just One' food packaging event on March 20 successfully packaging 19,512 bags of food, equivalent to 117,072 individual meals.

Students in grades 5 through 12 from all Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools participated in this meaningful service event, demonstrating their commitment to living out their Catholic faith by serving others. 

Over the 15 years that Heelan has participated in the 'Then Feed Just One' program, students have contributed to providing around 1.7 million meals to those in need. This impactful event is entirely student-funded, with each student contributing money to help cover the cost of the meals. 

The connection to the Catholic tradition of almsgiving during Lent reinforces the importance of selflessness and compassion. 

"Once a year, our students come together as one, one mind and one heart, to feed the hungry," said Christina Odom, a teacher at BHCS. "By giving their donation, our students are actively practicing almsgiving, putting their faith in action." 

Richard Seivert, Director of Then Feed Just One, praised the students' efforts, stating, "The name is 'Then Feed Just One,' but Mother Teresa would be proud to know that the students, faculty, and staff of Bishop Heelan didn't feed just one; they managed to feed 117,072 children a meal." 
Seivert referenced Mother Teresa's famous words: "If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one." 

In addition to funding and packing the meals, students are encouraged to say a small prayer for the recipients as they package the food. This "prayer in action" reinforces the importance of faith integration, reminding students that living out their beliefs extends beyond attending Mass or learning in religion class, it is about actively serving others. 

In the Sioux City diocese, the food packaged is going to South Sudan, Haiti, Honduras, and the southern border of the US where Sr. Norma Pimentel (Humanitarian Respite Center) feeds thousands of people per day (on the US and Mexico sides of the border