From Classroom to Community: Foothills Elementary Students Take Action to Fight Hunger in Utah

At Foothills Elementary, learning recently extended far beyond the classroom — and into the community.

Under the guidance of Liangli Leon Tao, a sixth-grade Chinese Dual Language Immersion (DLI) teacher, students launched a hands-on service project that blended language learning, financial literacy, and community impact. Their goal was simple but meaningful: grow classroom funding and use every dollar earned to purchase food for donation to Utah Food Bank.

The result? Real-world learning with real-world impact on families experiencing food insecurity in Utah.

The project began as part of a unit focused on food and scarcity. With $350 in funding from Granite Credit Union, students worked in small groups to design investment plans — entirely in Chinese.

First, each group drafted a written proposal outlining how they would responsibly grow their funds. They evaluated risks, projected returns, and considered feasibility. At the same time, they strengthened their language skills through real-world application.

Before moving forward, every group participated in a one-on-one interview with their teacher. During this “project readiness check,” students explained their ideas, answered follow-up questions, and demonstrated strategic thinking — all in Chinese. Only after successfully completing the interview did they receive approval to implement their plans.

Through this process, students built confidence, accountability, and teamwork.

Once students completed their projects, they used their earnings to purchase food for donation to Utah Food Bank. Instead of simply discussing food insecurity, they took action.

Importantly, the experience transformed abstract classroom concepts into tangible outcomes. Students saw how math, communication, and collaboration could create meaningful change.

“My students and I are truly honored to have our story shared,” Tao said. “We’re excited that their work can help inspire others to fight hunger in Utah.”

In Utah, 1 in 5 children may not always know where their next meal will come from. Because of this reality, community-driven efforts play an essential role in strengthening local food access.

Projects like this help students understand those challenges firsthand. More importantly, they show young people that they can be part of the solution.

When education and compassion come together, even small acts of generosity can create lasting impact.

How You Can Get Involved

Inspired by Foothills Elementary? You can help support families facing hunger in Utah by:

• Volunteering
• Hosting a food drive
• Host a fundraiser

Every act of generosity strengthens our community and helps ensure children across Utah have access to the food they need to thrive.