How the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Culinary Program is Using Bread to Fight Food Insecurity

January 28, 2025

In the heart of Sauk Rapids, there’s a group of students learning more than just the skills to work in a kitchen—they’re learning the importance of community, service, and giving back. Each year, the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Culinary Program, led by instructor Mary Levinski, joins forces with King Arthur Baking’s Bake for Good program to bake bread that nourishes local families in need. This year, the partnership has led to an inspiring 80-pound donation of fresh bread to Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf in St. Cloud. The impact goes far beyond the loaves of bread themselves—it’s about building stronger communities and empowering young people to make a difference.

Bake for Good is a program initiated by King Arthur Baking Company that encourages students to bake bread from scratch and then share it with someone in need. The program provides all the supplies, including King Arthur flour, and teaches students not only how to bake but also the science and math behind bread-making. For the students in Sauk Rapids, this hands-on experience serves as a powerful lesson in both culinary skills and community service.

For years, the program has allowed students to bake delicious, preservative-free bread and donate it to food shelves, brightening the holidays for families facing food insecurity. “I love seeing how the students’ hard work comes to fruition,” says Mary. “They don’t just bake bread—they get to see the difference it makes in people’s lives. It gives them a sense of purpose beyond themselves.”

Each year, the bread donation is made around the holidays when families are often struggling the most. The gesture helps ease the stress of holiday meals for families who are uncertain about where their next loaf of bread will come from. For the students, it’s a tangible reminder that their skills can serve a greater good and offer hope to those who need it.

For Catholic Charities Food Shelf, the donation of bread means much more than just food. Eric Vollen, Emergency Services Program Manager, shared his gratitude for the donation, highlighting how it not only provides essential nourishment but also fosters a sense of community. “Receiving this donation is incredibly meaningful to us at Catholic Charities Food Shelf,” Eric explains. “It helps us provide nutritious food to families in need and shows the power of community support."

This collaboration is a shining example of how different parts of a community—schools, businesses, and local organizations—can come together to make a real difference. It’s a reminder that even small acts of kindness, like baking bread, can have a profound impact on the lives of others.

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By Brittany Hoversten • April 14, 2025
At Catholic Charities Emergency Services, we see countless acts of kindness every day, but a recent donation from a remarkable young man left a special mark on our hearts. On a chilly Friday afternoon, Bryce, a 17-year-old student at Albany High School, donated an impressive 860 pounds of squash. This generous gift highlights the power of community support, proving that even in challenging times, there is always hope. Bryce has grown his own pumpkins, squash, and gourds under the name Bryce Pumpkin’s, which has become known for fresh, locally grown produce. His efforts extend beyond growing, as he sells his harvest at farmers markets and even had a booth at the Made in Minnesota Expo in November, supporting local businesses and sustainable farming. What makes his story even more inspiring is how Bryce uses his success to give back. His donation will directly help families in need through our food shelf, which serves St. Cloud and surrounding areas. Bryce’s squash donation will be a vital part of our monthly food distribution, helping to provide nutritious meals to hundreds of families in our community. His gesture demonstrates not only a heart full of compassion but also the interconnectedness of local farmers, businesses, and families. When young people like Bryce step up, it’s a reminder that the future is well cared for. Bryce’s story proves that even small acts of kindness can grow into something truly transformative. Through donations like Bryce’s, we are able to provide food to those who need it most, including seniors on fixed incomes and single parents working multiple jobs. The connection between local farmers and organizations like Catholic Charities sustains our community and fosters hope for those struggling. Looking ahead to the upcoming growing season, we’re excited to see what other generous community members, like Bryce, will share. His efforts remind us that every small contribution adds up to something much bigger, and it’s not just about the food—we’re also strengthening our community and inspiring hope for all.

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A Day of Joy and Connection at Pond View Estates

By Brittany Hoversten • March 13, 2025
On Tuesday, January 28th, a group of students from Trex North School visited Pond View Estates in Albany, organized by Sandy Baldwin, group leader, and in collaboration with Catholic Charities in St. Cloud. Julie Ueland, the student advisor, helped oversee the project to ensure everything went smoothly. Pond View Estates is a Senior Dining Congregate Kitchen, where seniors gather to enjoy meals and socialize, making it a perfect environment for these students to connect with the residents. When the students arrived, the residents were delighted by the youthful energy and enthusiasm they brought. The students quickly got to work helping the seniors create Valentine’s cards before lunch. The atmosphere was filled with creativity and laughter as everyone worked together to make colorful and thoughtful cards. Afterward, the group enjoyed lunch together, where the dining hall was full of lively conversation. The students interacted with the seniors, hearing their stories and building new connections. The visit bridged generations, fostering meaningful and joyful interactions. The highlight of the day was the bingo game that followed lunch, where excitement filled the room as the numbers were called. Friendly competition brought plenty of laughs, especially when someone was just one number away from winning, only for another participant to grab the prize first. The fun, camaraderie, and shared moments left everyone smiling. A few standout interactions included Joseph and Riley spending time with resident Victor Tschida, and Tianna sharing a special moment with resident Ken Bunger. These connections highlighted the deep impact of intergenerational friendships. For many of the residents, the visit from the students was an unexpected but cherished experience, reminding everyone of the importance of making time for one another. It was a beautiful day of fostering community, connection, and kindness. As the students prepared to leave, there was a sense of fulfillment in the air. Not only had the day brightened the seniors' lives, but it also left a lasting impression on the students, who gained a deeper understanding of the joy and fulfillment that comes from spending quality time with others. The day ended with smiles, hugs, and promises to return, a reminder of how powerful and meaningful human connection can be.