UAF Fifth Graders Volunteer at Feeding Tampa Bay

Talk about a rewarding morning - on so many levels. MashAllah. Our UAF fifth graders went on their first field trip of the academic year to Feeding Tampa Bay (FTB) and packed 2127 lbs., of bread and created 1772 meals. We had 70 students come together alongside 14 parent and staff volunteers in support of this meaningful cause on September 2, 2026. It was a wonderful display of community, compassion, and shared purpose. 

 

Students and volunteers worked together to sort bread and prepare meal boxes for distribution throughout the community. Feeding Tampa Bay serves one million people facing food insecurity each year, whom they warmly refer to as their neighbors. Serving 10 counties across Florida, the organization distributes more than one million pounds of food to help nourish families and strengthen communities.

“The UAF group was just fantastic. We would love to have you back!” enthused Luis Aponte, Volunteer Operations Manager at Feeding Tampa Bay.

 

“It’s great for kids to see the warehouse side. How much food we actually store and go through. This is a new experience for our youth to be able to know who is impacted by the meals they create.”

 

Indeed, with full pantries and fridges, the majority of our youth don’t know people go to bed hungry, right in our own cities. 

 

Ayla Hamoui, fifth grader shared:

 

“We packed food for all those people in need. I think it’s really nice for those who don’t know where their next meal is going to come from. It’s really good and sweet to see how all of these people are helping.”

 

Karim Nawwar agrees. He enjoyed helping his fellow students. 

 

“It feels very good to help others who need this. It was fun to volunteer with my friends,” said the fifth grader. 

Marwa Mekdashi, Elementary Counselor, helped organize the trip. She noted both students and parents enjoyed volunteering at FTB. 

“It was an amazing experience. Opportunities like this provide meaningful exposure for our students and help them better understand the needs within our community. It was especially impactful for them to see firsthand how some families rely on food banks as a primary source of food. Experiences like this help foster empathy, gratitude, and a greater sense of responsibility toward serving others,” noted Sister Marwa, who has been with UAF for two years now. 

“I also heard from staff members who would love to see more community outreach and volunteer opportunities offered across all grade levels. I look forward to organizing and hosting more events like this for our school. I would love to continue creating meaningful experiences that allow our students to give back, connect with the broader community, and understand the importance of service,” she added.

Insha Allah Khair. May Allah accept and make us the best in Deen and Dunya. Aameen. 

Have a story idea? Share with me, please: kiranm@uaftampa.org.