Mishicot - Feeding the Season of Giving: Mishicot FFA supports local families

For more than ten years, the Mishicot FFA chapter has played an important role in helping provide holiday meals for families in need within the community. This effort began when FFA partnered with the Snack Pack Program under the leadership of Zach Sand and Heather Baugniet. Their shared goal was to ensure families had access to meals and support during challenging times. Since then, the program has grown significantly, bringing in additional sponsors and expanding the number of families it serves.

The holiday meals are designed to support any family within the Mishicot School District that qualifies for assistance. Families who participate may also benefit from other district programs, including a monthly food pantry, a clothing closet, and additional holiday assistance. Because Mishicot is a small rural district, the goal is to ensure that any family facing need, no matter the reason, has access to help and support.

Ingredients for the meals come from a combination of generous donations and bulk purchases. Several sponsors donate food items directly, while others provide funding so ingredients can be purchased efficiently. For example, Wilfert Farms has donated fresh squash, Natural Ovens has provided bread and rolls, and Arla has contributed cheese and butter products. Other ingredients, such as potatoes and green beans, are bought in bulk and prepared by FFA student volunteers, helping stretch food dollars while allowing students to be directly involved in the process.

This project closely reflects FFA’s core value to “Live to Serve.” The Mishicot FFA chapter hosts monthly community service events, and the holiday meal program is just one example of how members give back. With over 150 student members, FFA focuses on teaching leadership, responsibility, and compassion through service. Additional projects include a neon run supporting Pink Heals, adopting families during the holidays, donating to the Lakeshore Humane Society, organizing an Easter egg hunt, and more.

While the program is not widely publicized, its impact is meaningful. Donors are proud to support the initiative and continue to be generous each year. Although FFA members may never meet the families receiving the meals, messages of gratitude shared with the school counselor, Heather Baugniet, highlight how valuable the program is to those it serves. Sponsors for the 2025 holiday meals include Mishicot FFA Alumni, Thrivent, Natural Ovens, Wilfert Farms, Mishicot Lions, Francis Creek Lions, Kwik Trip of Two Rivers, the Dillon Mueller Memorial Fund, Festival Foods, and Arla.

Students interested in helping with this or other FFA community service projects can sign up through the monthly FFA volunteer form or speak with an FFA advisor. Community members who would like to donate or get involved in the future are encouraged to contact Jamie Propson at jpropson@mishicot.k12.wi.us.