By Jazzman Brown
East Madison Community Center

Over 50 families received a variety of items and a hot meal from the Essentials Giveback event hosted by Feeding the Youth on Saturday, March 6, at East Madison Community Center (EMCC). Since May 2020, Feeding the Youth has hosted these events throughout the Madison area, serving hundreds of families.

Feeding the Youth was started by Jazzman Brown, who wanted to help people during the pandemic. She started with Facebook posts to collect donated items, and the program has grown into a wish list on Amazon and a handful of collaborative partners. Community Action Coalition, Crisis at Hand and Little John’s participated in the EMCC event. 

Participants were able to shop freely for household and cleaning items, hygiene products, diapers and wipes, hand sanitizer, masks and lightbulbs. They also got a take-home lasagna dinner. The EMCC youth program was very thankful for the delicious
lasagna meal.

Future events will be posted on Facebook at Feeding the Youth. Donated items and volunteer help are needed. For information, contact feedingtheyouthmadison@yahoo.com.