High school senior helps tackle food insecurity with meal kits
By Olivia Tyler
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AMES, Iowa (KCCI) — During the first semester of her senior year at Ames High School, Katelyn Okerlund took a class about sustainable growing practices and the science of food systems.
At the same time, in the fall of 2025, a federal government shutdown forced millions of Americans to rely on food banks, and as more families began turning to the Ames Community School District’s food pantry, Okerlund was inspired to take action.
She created grab-and-go meal kits for families in need. Since October, she and volunteers have assembled about 50 taco bowl kits, along with other options such as chili, chicken noodle soup, and even birthday cake kits.
“We looked for things that are completely shelf stable and high in protein,” Okerlund said. “Things that’ll be filling and that everyone should like.”
Each meal kit includes cooking instructions to make preparation easier for families. Okerlund said the simplicity helps families spend more time together in the evenings instead of worrying about what to cook.
The kits are made at the HOPE Pantry located inside the Ames Center, which serves Ames High School, Northwood Preschool, and Fellows, Meeker and Sawyer elementary schools. The pantry has operated in the building for about a year and now serves as a meal-kit hub for two other district pantries. It partners with the Food Bank of Iowa and is open to any family with children enrolled in the district.
Okerlund spends about four hours each week volunteering at the pantry and hopes the program will continue after she graduates.
“I don’t want it to end when I leave Ames High School,” she said. “If there is a junior who’s interested, I hope they’ll come talk to me.”
As graduation approaches, Okerlund is focused on expanding the program by developing new recipes and listening to feedback from families about what foods they want most.
For those interested in getting involved or those who may need the pantry’s assistance, contact the Ames Community School District Family Resource Support Advocate, Jacque Burkhart, at jacque.burkhart@ames.k12.ia.us.
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