Wellspring Launches Child's Full Plate Drive

Wellspring Interfaith Social Services seeks $50,000 to fund food boxes for children during winter break.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Philanthropy

Stacked plain cardboard food boxes on an empty winter parking lot beside a curbside pickup lane under an overcast sky. — Wellspring Interfaith Social Services in Fort Wayne seeks $50,000 to fund at least 1,000 food boxes for children during winter break. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Wellspring Interfaith Social Services, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has launched the Child's Full Plate initiative to provide nutritious meals to children while school is out for winter break. The initiative aims to raise $50,000 and provide at least 1,000 food boxes.

Why it matters

Children who rely on school meals may lack consistent access to food when classes are not in session. The initiative targets that gap in Fort Wayne and surrounding communities through a locally run food-box program.

The campaign has a $50,000 fundraising goal, with each $50 donation providing one food box and a target of at least 1,000 boxes. Progress toward either target has not been reported.

The players

Wellspring Interfaith Social Services

A Fort Wayne, Indiana social services organization that runs the Child's Full Plate initiative and coordinates the food-box program.

The details

Food boxes contain nutritious, kid-friendly meals selected with guidance from a registered dietitian. Distribution will take place at a drive-through event in December, and children must be present in the vehicle to receive a box.

December: Drive-through food box distribution event for children.
Winter break: Period when children need meals while school is out.

Philanthropy Context

Community-run school-break meal programs fill a gap left when schools close and free school meals stop. Child's Full Plate applies that model to the winter break in Fort Wayne.

Fort Wayne residents can donate $50 to provide one food box for a child. Families with children should watch for the December drive-through distribution, where children must be present in the vehicle to receive a box.

The takeaway

Donors can directly fund meals for children at a cost of $50 per box. Supporting school-break food programs helps keep children fed when school meals are unavailable.