REEDSVILLE, OH- Community members gathered at Eastern Elementary School on Tuesday, May 13, to take part in the Healthy Meals for Healthy Minds event—an initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity and promoting wellness across Meigs County. The event was collaborative among the Appalachian Children's Coalition, The Joe Burrow Foundation, the Gallia-Jackson-Meigs ADAMH Board, and Eastern Local Schools.
Attendees were invited to explore a variety of local resources and were provided with free groceries, including fresh fruits, vegetables, six-pound bags of hamburger patties, and milk from Snowville Creamery. A total of 300 boxes of food were made available to families in need.
Among the honored guests was Mrs. Robin Burrow, educator and mother of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. She spent time engaging with the community and stopped by the table hosted by the Meigs County Chamber Junior Ambassadors, who were presenting their year-end community service project.
The Junior Ambassadors program includes high school seniors from Southern, Eastern, and Meigs high schools. Working in partnership with Chamber Executive Director Susan White and Meigs High School Career Coach Amy Perrin, the student leaders created and distributed a comprehensive resource guide listing local blessing box and food pantry locations.
“The seniors from all the high schools in Meigs County did an amazing job preparing for the event,” said White. “They worked hard to create a resource guide that will help community members for years to come. We are so proud of them!”
In addition to the resource guides, the students provided free summer-themed items for children, including sidewalk chalk, bubbles, mini slimes, and sunglasses, adding a cheerful and family-friendly touch to the event.
Mrs. Burrow graciously posed for a photo with the Junior Ambassadors before continuing to connect with other guests at the event.
The Southern High School Junior Ambassadors included seniors Brandon Laudermilt, Carson Reuter, Katie Brooker, and Audrianna Herrera. Although Laudermilt and Reuter were unable to attend due to their varsity baseball game and senior night commitments, their efforts throughout the year were recognized and appreciated.
Representatives from Meigs High School and Eastern High School included Taylor Werry, Morgan White, Brandi Zahran, Sydney Dillon, William Gaddis, Braylyn Johnson, and Kayla Sellers.
Throughout the school year, the Junior Ambassadors program has offered students a unique opportunity to engage with the Meigs County Chamber of Commerce, attend meetings, and learn directly from local business leaders and guest speakers. Their efforts culminated in a successful community outreach initiative, showcasing both leadership and compassion in action.
Southern High School Principal Daniel Otto places great value on the Junior Ambassador program, saying it helps students develop strong leadership skills and provides valuable networking opportunities.
“The junior ambassador’s program is a platform for our students to build leadership skills, grow in confidence, and make connections that can shape their future,” Otto remarked. “We appreciate all the time and effort that goes into the program and helping students.”
