When area resident Brandon Bixler graduated from Garden Spot High School in 2019, he knew he would be taking a gap year to serve as a state officer for Pennsylvania FFA. What he did not know is that his first semester at Penn State University in the fall of 2020 would be completed from his home in New Holland due to COVID-19 restrictions.

As part of his major in agricultural and extension education with a minor in international agriculture, one of Bixler's virtual classes focused on food security. Looking to give students a global perspective, the professor connected the class to a technical school in Ukraine.

Students were also assigned to complete a project that would make an impact in the area of food security. "The direction from the instructor was that it was the student's responsibility to come up with a way to make an impact," said Bixler.

After hearing about the assignment, Bixler thought it only made sense to contact Amy Marburger, coordinator of the CrossNet Food and Nutrition Center. Bixler has been a volunteer at CrossNet Ministries, with three locations on Franklin Street in New Holland, since he was a child, and his mother took him in during the summer to help pack lunches. As a high school student he volunteered with the Cross Jr. afterschool program. So when Bixler reached out regarding his college project, Marburger was quick to accept. "(Marburger) was looking for help with the Buddy Bag and Power Packs Program," said Bixler. Both programs provide area students with food over the weekend. Buddy Bags are filled with individually packaged items, and Power Packs contain the ingredients and recipe for one low-cost meal.

Beginning at the end of September 2020, Bixler spent a few hours each Monday organizing the components of the Buddy Bags, which include breakfast foods, snacks, fruits, and juice. "I organize (the food) on the shelves, and later in the week other volunteers come in and put the items in the bags that are distributed on Friday afternoons," explained Bixler. He also organizes the larger portions for Power Packs, adding boxes of cereal or snacks when they are available.

During the class, Bixler sent his instructor a biweekly report on project challenges and opportunities. "Originally, I gave (the professor) an outline of the project to show that I had a place to make an impact," reported Bixler. He added that his final project was an online presentation during which he reviewed his project. Bixler was especially looking forward to viewing the presentations of other students in the class and providing them with feedback.

Until Penn State returns to an in-person format, Bixler will continue to volunteer at CrossNet. "I feel grateful that I can help out, and I definitely enjoy it," said Bixler. "There are always opportunities to make a difference."

CrossNet Ministries offers a variety of programs to the community, including a youth center, social services programs, and more. Readers with questions about the ministry may call 717-355-2454 or visit http://www.elancocross.org.