Backpacks filled with food, compassion, and leadership are headed to students at Sterling Middle and Guilford Elementary this summer—thanks to more than 80 student leaders from Sterling Middle School who came together on June 9 for a powerful afternoon of service.
In partnership with Mercy Chefs and NFL athlete Tyler Biadasz, students packed 500 backpacks with shelf-stable, kid-friendly meals to support their peers and families during the summer months, when access to school-provided meals may be limited.
The event, part of Mercy Chefs’ Summer Huddle: Backpack Build initiative, blended hands-on service learning with a message of empathy, teamwork, and purpose. Students worked in color-coded teams across two assembly lines, packing nutritious items like mac and cheese, applesauce pouches, granola bars, crackers, and more. Each backpack represented the equivalent of 10 meals—and a whole lot of heart.
The project is part of a broader effort to combat food insecurity, which affects more than 44 million Americans, including 13 million children. Here in Loudoun County, families also face challenges in accessing consistent, nutritious food over the summer. By helping to fill that gap, Sterling students stepped up as servant leaders—demonstrating how even small actions can create lasting impact.
“This was more than just a food drive—it was a chance for our students to lead with empathy,” said Principal Fitzroy Frew of Sterling Middle School. “Through service, our Pioneers saw the power of teamwork, the importance of giving back, and how even the smallest act of kindness can create a ripple of change in our community.”
Mercy Chefs is a humanitarian organization that partners with professional athletes to support and uplift children and families in underserved communities. Their mission was made even more memorable through the presence of Tyler Biadasz, Center for the Washington Commanders and founder of the Center of Change Foundation. Biadasz joined students on-site to cheer them on and highlight the power of connection, service, and staying true to yourself.
Biadasz encouraged students to follow their passions, be themselves, and keep building the connections they’re making in school and through service. He reminded them that giving back—no matter how big or small—can spark change, strengthen communities, and leave a legacy that lasts far beyond the moment.
In addition to meals, each backpack included a mini-football and helpful resource cards for families. The experience underscored how meaningful partnerships can expand learning beyond the classroom—equipping students with leadership skills, civic responsibility, and a deeper sense of empathy.
The 500 backpacks will be distributed to 250 students at Sterling Middle and 250 students at Guilford Elementary. And with each one, students are sharing more than a meal—they’re sharing a message of care, unity, and hope.