Concordia University students partner with Food Fort to give back

Published by Concordia University, Nebraska 6 years ago on Thu, Apr 19, 2018 11:37 AM
Children receive donated tied blankets made by Concordia students during Day of Giving.

Concordia students’ service project is going a long way in caring for the community.

Students made and tied dozens of blankets during Concordia’s Day of Giving on Thursday, March 22. These were then donated to Food Fort, a non-profit organization in Lincoln that seeks to provide meals and other resources to children in low-income neighborhoods. Founders Ben and Michaela Akridge provide about 90 children a week with a sit-down meal in a bus that they’ve converted into a restaurant.

“We provide more than just a meal by using food as an avenue to fulfill the deeper needs the kids have such as mentorship, relationship building, emotional support, and more,” said Michaela Akridge. “32 blankets were made for us, and what I believe another "God thing," we had exactly 32 children at dinner that night. When we told them they were made specifically for them by students, the smiles on their faces was incredible. They didn't quite comprehend why someone they didn't even know would take the time to make something so special, specifically for them. These blankets not only will keep them warm, but they truly made them feel special and loved.”

Food Fort is a non-profit organization with Michaela acting as a mom of five and running the organization full time with the help of Ben, who works full time as a conductor for BNSF. Food Fort is supported by donations from Calvary Lutheran Church in Lincoln and other donors. For more information, visit lincolnfoodfort.com.