Junior Kernels Give More than 2,000 Hours in 2024

The summer program for high school and college students provides leadership and service experience.

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University of Texas at Dallas student Laurel Way wishes her peers understood that hunger can impact anyone.

“Their own peers and neighbors right next to them may be struggling to access nutritious meals, most likely impacting their work, school and relationships,” Laurel says. “It’s important to help your local food bank if you can and fight against hunger in your community!” 

Laurel was one of the 27 college and high school students who participated in the North Texas Food Bank’s Junior Kernel program over the summer. Together, the group completed 2,206 volunteer hours, packing and boxing food for their neighbors facing hunger and leading children through activities during NTFB’s Kids Camp.

Now in its third year, NTFB’s Junior Kernel Program is designed to give high school and college students an opportunity to serve their community while building leadership skills. Each participating student commits to serving 64 hours over a nine-week period during the summer.

As Junior Kernels, the students work alongside NTFB staff and senior Kernels, or NTFB’s adult volunteer leaders, to help facilitate each volunteer shift. A select group of Junior Kernels also served as counselors during NTFB’s Kids Camp, which took place on Mondays during the summer.  

Elizabeth Campo, Volunteer Specialist, said the Junior Kernels all share a passion for making a difference in their North Texas community. North Texas has the fourth-highest number of food-insecure individuals in the nation, so the needs are high.

“It is inspiring to see the young people in our area make a huge difference during their summer vacation,” Elizabeth says.

 Students interested in applying to be Junior Kernels in 2025 can begin applying in March.

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