Preschoolers at five Primrose Schools across the greater Jacksonville area are giving back this holiday season, donating 5,256 canned goods to local organizations as part of the Caring and Giving Food Drive.
The children engaged in age-appropriate chores and used their earnings to buy canned goods and pantry staples for their neighbors.
Nearly 14% of U.S. households struggled to afford food in 2025 – up from 12.5% in 2024 – a sign of growing need as food banks see heightened demand.
This year, Primrose schools nationwide donated more than 350,000 canned goods, contributing to nearly 2 million food items donated to local organizations since 2019.
Here in Northeast Florida, the participating schools included Primrose School on Crosswater Parkway, Primrose School of Fleming Island, Primrose School of Glen Kernan, Primrose School of Julington Creek and Primrose School at St. Johns Forest.
The donations support St. John’s Cares Food Drive, Farm Share and Green Cove Food Pantry.
Giving back is built into the Primrose Balanced Learning curriculum, teaching children the value of empathy, generosity and community responsibility year-round.
“The Caring and Giving Food Drive is a powerful example of how our Balanced Learning curriculum goes beyond academics to nurture character and compassion,” said Amy Jackson, chief early learning officer at Primrose Schools. “Through meaningful acts of service, children experience the joy of giving and see the difference they can make in their communities, especially at a time when so many families are facing heightened need.”
