May 9, 2026
50,544 Meals Packed and Distributed
50,544 Meals Packed and Distributed
May 9, 2026
We’re proud to share that today marked the first Nurture & Nourish event, held at Riverside-Brookfield High School. It was a powerful example of what can happen when a small group of committed people partners with a school and community that are willing to step up for a meaningful cause.
This event was organized and led by Amy Kuykendall, Kayan Tang, and Phyllis Kastle, a dedicated team of three who took on the challenge of building this event from the ground up. Through their hard work, outreach, planning, and passion, they were able to recruit and rally more than 150 volunteers to come together and serve families in need.
The success of the event was also made possible through the support and leadership of Riverside-Brookfield High School. A special thank you goes to Assistant Principal, David Mannon and Math Teacher, Ian Robins, who were actively involved in the planning and execution of the event and helped ensure the day ran smoothly.
We would also like to thank Dr. Kevin Skinkis, Superintendent, who attended the event with his family and helped pack meals alongside the volunteers, as well as Dr. Hector Freytas, Principal, for his support and leadership. Their presence and participation reflected the school’s commitment to service, community, and giving back. The Brookfield Womans Club for their support in helping to solidify sponsor donors and pantry contacts.
Members of Helping Paws, a Riverside Brookfield High School student club for students who want to volunteer and give back to the community, were also actively involved at the event and helped pack meals alongside the many other volunteers.
Because of the leadership, planning, and generosity of everyone involved, the group packed 50,544 meals in one day. This is more than just a number — it represents 50,544 moments of relief, support, and hope for local families.
The impact was immediate: eleven local pantries arrived on-site the same day to pick up the meals, ensuring they could be quickly distributed to households in need.
The partnership between Nurture & Nourish, Riverside Brookfield High School, and the surrounding community was truly inspiring. Neighbors, friends, families, students, faculty, administrators, and volunteers all came together with one shared mission: to make a real and immediate impact.
We are grateful to Amy, Kayan, Phyllis, Assistant Principal David Mannon, Math Teacher Ian Robins, Superintendent Dr. Kevin Skinkis, Principal Dr. Hector Freytas, the Helping Paws student volunteers, and the entire Administrative Staff of Riverside- Brookfield High School for hosting this amazing event and helping make the day such a success.
We hope this is the beginning of a yearly tradition that continues to grow, bringing even more people together to serve the community and help families in need.
“The event reflected the mission of Nurture & Nourish: to nurture the community while nourishing those most in need.”
- Meals Distributed to:
Violets Kitchen
First Congregational Church of La Grange
Christian Life Center in Berwyn
Saint Cletus Food Pantry in La Grange
Fuel Movement Community Center
Share Food, Share Love Pantry
Riverside Township Food Pantry
Life-Giving Community Center
La Grange Bible Church - Holy Angels Catholic Church in Brookfield
- Bensenville Food Pantry Distributed By Project Hope
Event Video
Photo Credits: Select images courtesy of Sariah Lynn Photography — sariahlynnphotography.mypixieset.com.
