Notice. Nourish. Lead.

Westfield Rotary launches year-long initiative to fight food insecurity & support student wellbeing

By MARIE S. HOWARD
Rotary Club of Westfield

What happens when you put students in the driver’s seat to solve a problem in their own school? The Rotary Club of Westfield is about to find out.

This year, Westfield Rotary is channeling its three core service priorities – fighting food insecurity, developing young leaders, and building community connections – into one bold, student-led initiative: “Notice. Nourish. Lead.”

Working hand-in-hand with students and staff at Westfield High School, this youth leadership program tackles a sobering reality: the link between food insecurity and the risk of suicide. Backed by a grant from Westfield Rotary and The Rotary Foundation, the project puts WHS students at the helm, conducting a real needs assessment and designing a sustainable solution, all with support from school staff, Rotarians, and community partners.

The numbers tell a powerful story

More than 10 percent of Hamilton County residents – including over 7,000 children – face food insecurity. At WHS alone, an estimated 300 to 600 students may be affected, and nearly 4 percent of those students are also at risk for suicidal behaviors. These aren’t just statistics; they’re classmates, neighbors, and friends.

Over the course of the academic year, student leaders will notice the need, nourish their peers and community, and lead lasting change, with results delivered by the end of April 2027. Every student who steps up to participate will be recognized with a certificate honoring their leadership on these critical issues.

Want to be part of the solution?

Whether you’re curious about “Notice. Nourish. Lead.” or another Rotary initiative, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out at WestfieldRotaryIN@gmail.com, visit WestfieldRotaryIN.com, or stop by one of our meetings (see our online calendar for dates). If you have a heart for service, there’s a place for you at Westfield Rotary.