Norwood-Fontbonne Academy and Chestnut Hill College Students Write Resolution with State Rep. Khan

On Wednesday, April 22, seventh grade students from Norwood-Fontbonne Academy (NFA) in Chestnut Hill presented their advocacy letters regarding food insecurity to State Representative Tarik Khan. 

“After learning about the realities of hunger in Philadelphia and beyond, students felt compelled to move beyond awareness and into impact,” said Dr. Megan Stotz, who leads NFA’s Media Studies program. “Their response: establish Blessing Boxes, known as Bear Boxes, on both of NFA’s campuses to provide free, accessible food and essentials to anyone in need. Once a month the students will deliver the donated items to local pantries in the area.”

The “Blessing Boxes” will be two lending-library-style boxes on each of NFA’s campuses. Community members are encouraged to stock them with nonperishable food items, hygiene products, and seasonal essentials. 

“We realized that learning about food insecurity wasn’t enough,” said NFA seventh grade student Liam Murphy. “If we believe everyone deserves dignity and access to food, then we have to do something about it. The Blessing Box is our way of putting our faith and our learning into action.”

In addition to the Blessing Boxes, NFA students also advocated that September 2026 be known as Healthy Hunger Free Kids Month to raise awareness about food security issues in Pennsylvania.

Following their presentations, Rep. Khan along with students from both NFA and Chestnut Hill College came together to write a draft of a co-sponsor memo, which will go out to all state representatives, and an accompanying resolution.

“Our students are learning that their voices matter,” said Dr. Stotz. “They are not waiting to grow up to make a difference. They are feeding neighbors, writing policy-focused speeches, and standing before elected officials, all while asking bigger questions about justice, dignity, and responsibility. This is education at its best.”

This meaningful project at NFA connected students with local organizations that address food insecurity and community support, extending the impact well beyond campus. 

“In partnership with students from Chestnut Hill College, our  students wrote advocacy speeches to address systemic causes of hunger,” said Dr. Stotz. “They demonstrated how young people can engage civically while serving their community. Through this initiative, students are exploring the difference between charity and justice, learning that while charity meets immediate needs, justice seeks long-term change. They are discovering what it means to walk with both feet in this world: offering direct service while advocating for systemic solutions.”

In line with the school’s mission and vision, the seventh grade Media Studies program at NFA challenges students to examine real-world issues through research, critical thinking, and advocacy. Students analyze media messages, investigate social challenges connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and create projects that inspire action. The Blessing Box initiative is one example of how students are encouraged to become informed communicators and compassionate leaders to create meaningful change.

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ABOUT NORWOOD-FONTBONNE ACADEMY

Norwood‑Fontbonne Academy is an independent Catholic school in nearby Chestnut Hill, where 14 beautiful acres set the stage for joyful, hands‑on learning. Founded in 1920 by the Sisters of Saint Joseph, NFA offers families a truly unique choice, our renowned Montessori pathway or our dynamic Primary program for ages 3 through Grade 3, followed by innovative, engaging, and challenging learning experiences in Grades 4–8. At NFA, every child is known, inspired, and encouraged to grow with confidence and purpose.