From Classroom to Campaign: How Students Helped Shape a Real Foodbank Initiative

Getting a call from the CEO in the middle of a workday can be anxiety-inducing for anyone, but for Digital Marketing Account Manager Leila Mills, it turned into an opportunity to make a significant impact through education and community involvement.

A Collaboration with Norfolk Academy

Leila received an invitation to join a meeting with Pratik Kothari and Jack Gibson, the Director of the Batten Leadership Program at Norfolk Academy. Little did she know, this call would mark the beginning of an exciting collaboration between TechArk and Norfolk Academy’s Maymester program.

About the Maymester Program

Norfolk Academy, known for its commitment to providing unique educational opportunities, launched its fourth Maymester program this spring. Designed for Upper School students, Maymesters offer immersive experiences to cap off their sophomore and junior years. This year, TechArk saw an opportunity to contribute by enriching students’ understanding of how diverse businesses and community organizations collaborate.

Why TechArk Was a Natural Fit

TechArk’s existing partnership as the digital marketing partner of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore made it a natural fit for involvement in the Maymester program. The goal was to demonstrate to students how digital marketing strategies play a crucial role in supporting community initiatives.

Inside the Program

During the Maymester program, students had the privilege of exploring the interconnectedness between the Foodbank, local farmers, and businesses like Hub Peanuts. They also received a comprehensive presentation from TechArk on the various digital marketing tactics. Following the presentation, the students were challenged to apply their newfound knowledge by designing their own digital campaigns. Whether through blogging, creating PPC campaigns, or developing organic social media content, each student had the opportunity to contribute creatively.

To guide their efforts, Leila provided structured resources such as the “Content with a Cause Worksheet” and “Ad for Impact: PPC Campaign Worksheet”. The TechArk team was actively involved in reviewing the students work and offering feedback to refine their campaigns.

There was also the added incentive that if any of the campaigns were of the quality that TechArk is known for, they would have the potential to be incorporated into a live campaign for the Foodbank. The culmination of the program came when students presented their campaigns to Chris Tan, President and CEO of the Foodbank. While everyone did a good job, one student’s effort and idea stood out, resulting in a redesign of TechArk’s, which will be part of the Foodbank’s July social media campaign.

Reflecting on the experience, Leila emphasized the importance of such initiatives in nurturing young talent and fostering a spirit of community engagement. She commended the students for their dedication and creativity, acknowledging their role in making a tangible difference through digital innovation.

The Bigger Picture: Why It Matters

TechArk’s commitment to supporting educational initiatives like Norfolk Academy’s Maymester program underscores our belief in the power of knowledge sharing and community support. As we continue to bridge the gap between education and industry, our partnership with Norfolk Academy stands as a testament to the positive outcomes that arise when businesses invest in the future generation.

The success of this collaboration not only celebrates the achievements of the students but also reaffirms the value of community partnerships in driving meaningful change. Through initiatives like these, TechArk and Norfolk Academy demonstrate that when businesses and educational institutions join forces, they can inspire innovation and empower the leaders of tomorrow.

Hayden Hoover’s Blog:

In the heart of Franklin County, Virginia, Elisha Barnes stands as a representation of traditional agricultural practices. As a fourth-generation farmer, Barnes has been recognized for his use of shocking peanuts; a meticulous and labor-intensive method where freshly harvested peanut plants are sun dried on wooden stakes for several weeks. This technique was entirely abandoned by the farming community leaving Elisha Barnes as the only farmer in America who still uses this technique, leaving his peanuts with a distinctive sweetness that cannot be found anywhere else.

This dedication caught the attention of Hubbard Peanut Company (HUBS) leading to a collaboration that celebrates this traditional approach. Together they produce “Single Origin”, a peanut line sourced exclusively from Barnes’s Farm as well as Izzie’s Field. Beyond his farming endeavors, Barnes plays a pivotal role in combating food insecurity through his work on Izzie’s Field, a 20 acre farm initiative in partnership with the Foodbank of South Eastern Virginia. On this land, Barnes cultivates many types of crops including sweet corn, collards, cantaloupes, and of course, his signature peanuts! Together they dedicate a portion of the harvest to provide for those of our neighbors who are struggling with food insecurity.

Purchasing these Single Origin Peanuts extends beyond savoring a unique taste; it contributes to a greater cause. One dollar from each tin of Single Origin Peanuts sold helps provide meals to individuals facing hunger and food insecurity.

To experience the rich flavor and support meaningful initiative use the link in our bio or go to Foodbankonline.org to learn more and purchase your tin of Single Origin Peanuts today!

Madeline Aubrey McGrath Maymester Blog:

Maya Riddick’s PPC Creative:

Kassidy Sander’s Creative Content: