At Creekside Elementary School in Poway, California, a group of 4th and 5th-graders proved just how powerful learning can be when it inspires action. As the very first school to pilot Hunger Action Heroes Unite! these students transformed a comic book and curriculum into something bigger—a school-wide movement rooted in empathy, teamwork, and real-world impact.
What began as classroom lessons on hunger and food waste turned into a months-long journey of heroic action. Together, Creekside’s young leaders helped provide more than 9,100 meals and rescue 10,000 pounds of food, showing that when students lead with kindness, learning doesn’t just stick—it changes lives.
How It All Started
Creekside Elementary had a unique opportunity: to bring the Hunger Action Heroes Unite! comic book and curriculum to life as the program’s very first pilot school.
Over several weeks, 4th and 5th graders dove into the story of Hunger Halter, Demeter, and the Council of Heroes. Through lessons blending literacy, science, social-emotional learning, and creative problem-solving, students explored the effects of hunger and food waste—and discovered their own power to make a difference.
By the time they reached the final mission, “Become a Hunger Action Hero,” the spark was lit. These students were ready to take action.
Becoming Hunger Action Heroes
What began in the classroom quickly grew into real-world change.
Working in teams, Creekside students brainstormed ways to combat hunger in their own community. Their ideas, rooted in compassion and creativity, soon spread across the school and beyond.
Over five months, these young heroes launched three major initiatives:
1. A Food Drive for Los Angeles Wildfire Relief
When devastating wildfires hit Los Angeles, Creekside students took action. They organized a school-wide food drive and collected 807 pounds of food for families who had lost their homes.
2. A Volunteer Shift at Feeding San Diego
Students spent a two-hour volunteer shift at Feeding San Diego sorting and packing 8,000 pounds of apples, which were later distributed to families across San Diego County.
3. A Lemonade & Snack Stand for Good
Not stopping there, students built their own fundraiser, complete with marketing signs, teamwork, and plenty of lemonade. They raised $405.25, which inspired a generous match from Garcia Hong Law and an additional donation from a student’s aunt. In total, the students raised $910.50, enough to help provide 1,800 meals for people in need.
Each project was proudly student-led from start to finish, a powerful reminder that when kids are given the tools, they don’t just learn… they lead.
Impact and Inspiration
By the end of their missions, Creekside’s Hunger Action Heroes had:
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Helped provide 9,100+ meals
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Rescued 10,000 pounds of surplus food from going to waste
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Inspired their entire school community to think differently about hunger, food waste, and sustainability
Teachers watched it all unfold with pride:
“Watching our students take what they learned and turn it into real impact was incredible. They showed compassion, leadership, and creativity at every step."
Creekside’s efforts didn’t just support families—they sparked a movement. Their success has inspired other schools to bring Hunger Action Heroes Unite! into their classrooms, proving that small acts of kindness can grow into lasting change.
Hear from the Heroes Themselves
Want to know what students really thought about the experience? Hear their reflections and see the impact in their own words:
A Pilot That Became a Movement
Creekside Elementary’s journey shows what’s possible when education meets empowerment. With the right tools, and a whole lot of heart, students can transform their learning into meaningful community action.
