Heavy Lifting

In June, JoJo Zager organized a donation drive. It was a benefit for the Community Food Bank of Macomb County, in Michigan. “I was trying to get 10,000 pounds” of food, the 11-year-old told TIME for Kids. And he was trying to do it in 10 days.

JoJo first contacted the food bank to learn about its work. “He came in and did a tour and walked around and asked a couple of really, really awesome questions,” says Merissa Pacholek. She’s the food bank’s program manager. “He was really concerned” about funding cuts affecting Macomb County, Pacholek adds. “He wanted to know what he could do to help.”

SOLID START Before the food drive has officially begun, JoJo weighs some early donations.

Next, JoJo reached out to nearby libraries and arranged for them to set up drop-off boxes. He made flyers. His mom, Jennifer, helped him share information on social media. A local newspaper ran a story about the drive. Then “word just kind of spread,” she says.

SHOW OF SUPPORT JoJo poses with a food-bank truck to raise awareness for the bank and his upcoming drive.

Donation boxes filled up with nonperishable foods, such as cereal and canned goods. JoJo and his mom did pickups every other day. They took donations to the food bank’s warehouse. “No one deserves to be hungry,” JoJo says.

Food Insecurity

People who are food-insecure don’t always have enough to eat or know where their next meal will come from. In the United States, more than 47 million people were food-insecure in 2023. That’s according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

A lost job or an injury or illness can make a person miss work and mean less money for food. “There are so many people that are just one crisis away” from needing help, Pacholek says.

When times are tough, food banks and food pantries can help out. Jojo says he chose the Macomb County food bank because it contributes to 50 different food pantries and hunger-relief groups in the area.

People can visit pantries to get free groceries. Last year, the food bank distributed nearly 3 million pounds of food to more than 400,000 people.

Raising Awareness

JoJo’s 10,000 Pound Challenge ran from June 2 to 12, with donations weighing 6,000 pounds. JoJo didn’t quite reach his goal. “But I did get close,” he says. How does he feel about the results? “Really good,” JoJo says. “I love helping people.”

SOLID START Before the food drive has officially begun, JoJo weighs some early donations.

“He brought so much awareness” to the food bank, Polachek says. “A lot of people don’t even know about us. . . . I think he did so much more than even the 10,000 pound goal.”

GROUP SHOT On June 4, JoJo collects donations at a Kiwanis club after giving a speech about his goal to relieve food insecurity.

JoJo isn’t done yet. He plans to launch another food drive in March.

Inspired?

Let JoJo’s story inspire you to help make a positive difference. Click below for ideas on how you can combat food insecurity in your community.