BK students collected 27,000 pounds of food during the 2024 Frassati Food Drive. From left to right, Zoey Stauffer, Kate Revier, Alex Martinez, Belén Lete, and Amaya Lanningham. (Courtesy Photo/Bishop Kelly High School)
By Emily Woodham
Staff Writer
BOISE– Students collected more than 27,000 pounds of food for this year’s Frassati Food Drive at Bishop Kelly High School in Boise. Bishop Kelly uses a “house” system in which students are divided into groups that meet for community and support. During the food drive, houses compete to collect food and diapers and are awarded points. This year, Caritas House won.
“The school blew past our goal of 30,000 points worth of food and diapers,” said Dr. Anthony Paz, teacher and Chair of Theology at Bishop Kelly. “We ended with 54,485 points.” The food and diapers collected were donated to food pantries at St. Paul’s Parish in Nampa (managed by St. Vincent de Paul) and St. John’s, St. Mark’s, St. Mary’s and Risen Christ parishes in Boise.
In previous years, the food drive was organized by BK’s campus ministry. This year, the drive was led by the social justice classes taught by Dr. Paz. The classes are senior elective courses that study the seven themes of Catholic social teaching: life and dignity of the human person; call to family, community and participation; rights and responsibilities; option for the poor and vulnerable; the dignity of work and the rights of workers; solidarity; and care for God’s creation. The texts for the class are papal encyclicals and pastoral letters.
“At the beginning of the semester, we started the class learning about Catholic social teaching,” said Maya Lanningham, a student in the class. “Then we got involved with the food drive. It’s been really awesome because it’s a practical way to demonstrate Catholic social teaching and to get outside of ourselves.”
She said the experience of working for the food drive reinvigorated her faith. “You’re demonstrating what Jesus would actually do in the world around us today.” Although she is not Catholic, she chose the elective because she wants to help others. “The class and food drive have helped me be more grateful for what I have and also grateful for people who go out and do things for others.”
The food drive was named for Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Frassati was born in 1901 in Turin, Italy, to a wealthy family. He used his privileged life to serve others, especially the poor and vulnerable. He died when he was only 24 and was beatified in 1990. The Vatican announced that he will be canonized next year during the 2025 Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.” The holy year will include special celebrations for various groups, including a “Jubilee of Youth” from July 27-Aug. 3, during which Pier Giorgio Frassati will be canonized.
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