Hunter Bledsoe looks for the best products at the best prices in order to deliver quality items to a local food bank
Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com
Hunter Bledsoe describes himself as “lucky in life,” and because of that, he is always in search of ways to help others.
A few years back while in middle school, he took part in a food drive. It was just a small way for him to participate, to contribute to his community.
As items were coming in and being stored at the school, he noticed something about the food drive, and he wondered if this was the norm for food drives around the region.
“I saw the food that was being donated. Expired cans. Products I wouldn’t want to eat,” he said.
There had to be a better system.
Now a sophomore at Hockinson High School, Bledsoe is reaching out to the public to help raise funds in order to buy quality food items.
Last year, he raised $1,000 by simply asking friends and family members. Working with local grocers, he was able to buy 1,900 food products.
This year, he is expanding the project, asking the general public to pitch in as well through a GoFundMe account called Hunter Bledsoe’s Quality Food Mission. He is more than halfway to his goal of raising $1,500 this year in order to buy 2,500 items.
“I think it’s important for people in our community to be fed well and have good food products,” Bledsoe said.
The GoFundMe will be up until late October. In November, Bledsoe intends to take the money raised and start shopping for the best products, and best deals.
“We go to many stores, compare the prices,” he said. “I reach out to local grocery stores to see if they will partner with us. I’m checking the quality of brands that we are buying, seeing if they are reputable.”
The goal is to be able to donate the food in time for the holidays.
“I have always found joy in helping others,” said Bledsoe, noting that it is important to make sure there is always food available to those in need. “I have the ability to be helpful, and that is what’s motivating me for the project.”
To donate and for more information on the project, go to Bledsoe’s GoFundMe page at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/hunter-bledsoes-quality-food-mission
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