How the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Culinary Program is Using Bread to Fight Food Insecurity

In the heart of Sauk Rapids, there’s a group of students learning more than just the skills to work in a kitchen—they’re learning the importance of community, service, and giving back. Each year, the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Culinary Program, led by instructor Mary Levinski, joins forces with King Arthur Baking’s Bake for Good program to bake bread that nourishes local families in need. This year, the partnership has led to an inspiring 80-pound donation of fresh bread to Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf in St. Cloud. The impact goes far beyond the loaves of bread themselves—it’s about building stronger communities and empowering young people to make a difference.

Bake for Good is a program initiated by King Arthur Baking Company that encourages students to bake bread from scratch and then share it with someone in need. The program provides all the supplies, including King Arthur flour, and teaches students not only how to bake but also the science and math behind bread-making. For the students in Sauk Rapids, this hands-on experience serves as a powerful lesson in both culinary skills and community service.

For years, the program has allowed students to bake delicious, preservative-free bread and donate it to food shelves, brightening the holidays for families facing food insecurity. “I love seeing how the students’ hard work comes to fruition,” says Mary. “They don’t just bake bread—they get to see the difference it makes in people’s lives. It gives them a sense of purpose beyond themselves.”

Each year, the bread donation is made around the holidays when families are often struggling the most. The gesture helps ease the stress of holiday meals for families who are uncertain about where their next loaf of bread will come from. For the students, it’s a tangible reminder that their skills can serve a greater good and offer hope to those who need it.

For Catholic Charities Food Shelf, the donation of bread means much more than just food. Eric Vollen, Emergency Services Program Manager, shared his gratitude for the donation, highlighting how it not only provides essential nourishment but also fosters a sense of community. “Receiving this donation is incredibly meaningful to us at Catholic Charities Food Shelf,” Eric explains. “It helps us provide nutritious food to families in need and shows the power of community support."

This collaboration is a shining example of how different parts of a community—schools, businesses, and local organizations—can come together to make a real difference. It’s a reminder that even small acts of kindness, like baking bread, can have a profound impact on the lives of others.