Barack Obama said “Be the change you wish to seek.” Brockport High School student Jeffrey Xue lives his life being the change. When Jeffrey was in middle school the amount of food waste he witnessed as he ate lunch in the school cafeteria bothered him. One day his frustration peaked and he sought out his Social Studies teacher Mr. Akers, who is now a mentor, to talk to. Jeffrey’s desire to make positive changes in regards to food waste, along with the support of many, resulted in the establishment of the East Coast Food Conservation Organization.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
At a volunteer meeting additional students expressed desire to take action to do something in regards to the food waste. This group of students collectively problem solved actions they wanted to take to reduce food waste and help people who are struggling with food insecurity. By the end of that school year after working through red tape, with the help of Mr. Akers, and the current Middle School Principal, and Mrs. Banner, the BHS Choir teacher, Jeffrey and the other students were collecting excess fruit from the lunchroom and donating it to the Brockport food shelf. Wanting to do more, this group of students, along with the support of teachers and community members, became an official non-profit on December 18, 2019.
“How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Anne Frank
The next project ECFCO added was the establishment of a community food garden. Supported by local businesses with money, in-kind donations, Jeffrey’s former Science teacher, Mrs. Snyder, having her class prepare seedlings to plant, and donation of garden space from the First Presbyterian Church in Brockport, the gardening commenced. Jeffery, who is hoping to go to college for food science, shared he had no prior knowledge of gardening. None of that stopped any of the members of ECFCO who were committed to having a community garden with vegetables and fruits. These students are aware that food insecurity impacts many people. They wanted to create a space where anyone could get food as they needed it. ECFCO also provided on-demand Garden Orientation tours for learning about all things garden. This year ECFCO will be partnering with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County, the National Honor Society at the High School, and 490 Farmers, a Rochester non-profit, to help grow this community garden.
“Teamwork makes the dream work.” Unknown
Not stopping with the community garden, these ECFCO change agents have been working on creating within the walls of Brockport High School a SAFE (Students for the Advancement of Financial Equality) Resource Room. A location where food, perishable and non-perishable, hygiene items, and clothing would be available for students in need at the school. Working with Mrs. Arnold, the co-NHS advisor, and Mr. Benzan, an assistant Principal and DEI specialist, ECFCO has been taking the actions necessary to adhere to the guidelines required to have a SAFE space location at the high school. Jeff shared they have an upcoming meeting with Foodlink, a local food bank, to explore developing a relationship to provide both non-perishable and perishable food items for food-insecure students.
“Many hands make light work.” Ancient Proverb
Throughout our interview Jeffrey shared gratitude for the support of teachers, community members, and ECFCO’s student volunteers. What drives this non-profit is all of these student leaders coming together with a common mission to care for others in need in their community. Since becoming a non-profit in December of 2019 they worked on a consistent basis to propel forward the community garden and SAFE Resource Room. Members of ECFCO have also had an apple cart at school for high school students to get a snack when they are hungry. There is great attention to detail and understanding what actions need to occur in order for these initiatives to happen. Members of ECFCO do all of this while being full-time high school students. They embrace the idea of “so what, now what, what are we going to do about it” and get it done. There have been ups and downs. There have been differences of opinions. Yet this caring group of high schoolers worked through these challenges to create a solidly rooted non-profit making a difference in Brockport, New York.
With honor and admiration Kindness Champions shine our spotlight on the East Coast Food Conservation Organization and all of those who have helped and supported this caring group of student leaders. We thank you for being you and bringing your awesome to the world.
For more information on the incredible ECFCO here is their information:
Facebook: @ECFCO.org
Instagram: @ecfco_nonprofit
