Family starts nonprofit initiative to help community

PERU, Ind. — When Alexandra Merritt saw the need for more food bank access in southern Miami County, she took action.

As a high school student in 2019, Merritt reached out to local farmers and members of the ag community to request donations for a new initiative: Harvest for Hunger.

Through these efforts, the program raised $2,875 its first year, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to Miami County Helping Hands food bank.

Now college students, Alexandra and her sister, Lauryn, continue growing the program, along with their help of their brother, Levi, who is in high school.

Their ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to fighting food insecurity and supporting their local community.

“Harvest for Hunger became a meaningful way for me to combine that passion for giving back with my love for agriculture,” Alexandra said.

“Food insecurity exists in every community, and through this project, we saw an opportunity to make a difference in the community.”

Since 2019, Harvest for Hunger has experienced significant growth in both reach and impact. So far, the program has raised nearly $71,000 and recently started supporting the Amboy Friends Food Pantry.

“In 2021, we hosted a Kickoff to Harvest Dinner as a way to thank and recognize the agricultural community for their continued support,” Alexandra said.

“This dinner marked an important step in building stronger relationships and further growing the program’s presence and impact.”

She has been blown away by the overwhelming willingness of community members to show up and help their neighbors.

“Each year, more individuals — especially family friends and community members not originally on our contact list — have reached out wanting to contribute,” she said.

“That level of support has been incredibly meaningful, as it shows the strength of the community we’ve built and the shared commitment to helping others. It’s a powerful reminder that when people come together, they can make a real difference.”

When the siblings started Harvest for Hunger, they quickly learned the impact food security has on Miami County.

“Our own school has a 60% free and reduced lunch rating,” Alexandra said., “It was hard to understand how, as farmers, we are raising an abundant food supply, but that many people don’t have the resources to access it through grocery stores.”

Each year when they deliver the donation check to Helping Hands, the Merritts are rewarded with the knowledge that they’ve made a difference.

“Seeing firsthand how the funds are making a difference brings everything full circle and reinforces the purpose behind our efforts,” Alexandra said.

“It’s also a powerful reminder of the reality many people face: 1 in 5 children go to bed hungry and 1 in 6 adults experience food insecurity, unsure of where their next meal will come from.

“While many of us take for granted having three meals a day, these moments highlight the importance of continuing to give back and support those in our own community.”

Looking ahead, the Merritts hope to see Harvest for Hunger continue to grow and become a lasting tradition.

After Levi graduates in 2029, the goal is to transition the program to the Maconaquah FFA Chapter, allowing more students to take ownership and carry the mission forward.

“While we still plan to stay involved in an advisory role, having the FFA chapter lead the effort will help expand its impact and ensure its sustainability for years to come,” Alexandra said.

“Ultimately, we hope Harvest for Hunger continues to inspire others to give back and strengthen the connection between agriculture and community support.”

Those who are interested in donating to Harvest for Hunger can reach out to Alexandra at alexandrajae20@gmail.com or Lauryn at laurynmerritt26@gmail.com.