Big Lake Football Packs 52,920 Meals in Powerful Day of Service

On February 28, approximately 60 players, managers, coaches, and family members dedicated their Saturday to serving others at the Coon Rapids location of Feed My Starving Children. In just two hours, the group packed an incredible 52,920 meals — enough to feed 145 children in Cuba for an entire year.

Player-Led Leadership in Action

This service opportunity was organized by the program’s 11-member Leadership Council, made up of student-athletes in grades 9–12 who are identified as leaders within the team. The council meets throughout the offseason with a clear purpose: to strengthen leadership within the program, school, and community. One of their key responsibilities each year is selecting a meaningful community service initiative for the team.

After volunteering at Feed My Starving Children for the first time last year, the players voted to return — a decision that reflects both ownership and commitment.

Roles and Responsibilities

At the event, student-athletes took on a variety of hands-on roles.

• Several players worked in the warehouse, transporting ingredients to packing stations and preparing completed meals for shipment.
• The majority served on the Packing Team, carefully measuring ingredients, weighing portions, sealing packages, and boxing meals for distribution.

The environment was energetic and competitive in the best way — with players challenging one another to see which group could pack the most meals. The same focus, teamwork, and accountability that define Friday night football were on full display in the warehouse.

A Culture of Service

Community service is not required within the program, but it is strongly encouraged and incentivized. Roughly 45 players participated, along with about 15 coaches and family members — reinforcing that service is a shared responsibility and a shared opportunity.

In total, the group contributed approximately 120 service hours during their two-hour shift.

By empowering players to identify and lead service opportunities, Big Lake Football is building more than athletes. They are developing young leaders who understand that their influence extends far beyond their hometown — and that teamwork can help change lives across the globe.

Big Lake Football continues to set the standard for what it means to represent your school with pride: leading with heart, serving with purpose, and competing — even in service — to make the greatest possible impact.