Jacksonville High School Freshmen Pack 20,000 Meals in Community Service Project
Jacksonville, Ark. — Freshman scholars at Jacksonville High School demonstrated the power of service and civic responsibility by packing 20,000 meals during a large-scale community service project held on campus on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The meal-packing initiative was made possible through a partnership between Jacksonville High School, GEAR UP, and The Pack Shack, providing students with a hands-on opportunity to give back to families in need across Central Arkansas.
Of the 20,000 meals packed, 18,000 meals will be distributed to GEAR UP schools throughout Central Arkansas, while 2,000 meals will remain within the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District to support district scholars and their families.
“This project allowed our scholars to see firsthand how service, teamwork, and compassion can make a real difference,” said district leaders. “We are proud of our freshmen for stepping up to support both our local community and students beyond our district.”
The event took place in the Jacksonville High School Auxiliary Gym and included participation from up to 125 freshman scholars. Students earned up to five hours of community service credit while learning the importance of civic engagement and community involvement.
GEAR UP and The Pack Shack coordinated and managed the meal-packing process, while Jacksonville High School provided the space and student volunteers. Media outlets were invited to capture photos, video, and interviews highlighting student leadership and service in action.
The Jacksonville North Pulaski School District remains committed to providing meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom and foster a strong sense of community responsibility among its scholars.