Greenfield Students Race to Build 1,000 Sandwiches for Homeless Shelter

Elementary school students in Greenfield, Wisconsin came together to make over 1,000 sandwiches in just one hour to support their local homeless shelter.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:03am

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Students at Edgewood Elementary School in Greenfield, Wisconsin spent one hour on March 27th racing to make over 1,000 sandwiches to support The Guest House homeless shelter in Milwaukee. The school-wide effort was part of a lesson on compassion and community impact, with around 300 students participating in the high-energy sandwich-making event. The students raised $1,800 through a 'Penny War' competition to help cover the costs of the perishable sandwich ingredients.

Why it matters

This event highlights how students, even at a young age, can make a meaningful impact on their local community. By providing meals for those experiencing homelessness, the Greenfield students are demonstrating empathy and a commitment to helping others in need. The effort also raises awareness about the ongoing issue of homelessness in the Milwaukee area, which has seen fluctuations in its homeless population in recent years.

The details

Over the course of one hour, the Edgewood Elementary students formed an assembly line in the school's lunchroom and library to quickly build 1,000 sandwiches for The Guest House shelter. Many students wore colorful pajamas for the school's pajama day, adding to the energetic atmosphere. The students had previously collected large amounts of peanut butter, jelly, bread, and deli items to prepare for the event. They also held a 'Penny War' competition where students brought in spare change, raising $1,800 to help cover the costs of the perishable sandwich ingredients.

  • On March 27, 2026, the Edgewood Elementary students spent one hour making over 1,000 sandwiches.
  • In 2024, Milwaukee saw a 17% decrease in its homeless population, but the numbers increased again in 2025.

The players

Edgewood Elementary School

An elementary school in Greenfield, Wisconsin where the sandwich-making event took place.

The Guest House

A homeless shelter in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that received the 1,000 sandwiches made by the Edgewood Elementary students.

Meg Boyd

The principal of Edgewood Elementary School who organized the sandwich-making event to teach students about compassion and community impact.

Ashley

A fifth grade student at Edgewood Elementary who learned about homelessness at school and believes it's important to help others in the community.

Yazen

A fourth grade student at Edgewood Elementary who felt good about participating in the sandwich-making event and encouraged others to help those in need.

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What they’re saying

“'They're excited – this is the first time we've done it, with a focus on giving back. It's always a focus that we have, and part of that is realizing that as a kid, you can make a difference and that your voice isn't small just because you're maybe under 4 feet tall.'”

— Meg Boyd, Principal, Edgewood Elementary School

“'It's so important for a community, because we all have to help each other. We live in this place together, and we have to get used to each other. I felt a lot of empathy for people experiencing homelessness because they don't really have homes or shelter.'”

— Ashley, Fifth Grade Student

“'When you see a homeless person, you just help them. Give them anything that they need – it's what we're doing right now.'”

— Yazen, Fourth Grade Student

What’s next

The Guest House shelter plans to distribute the 1,000 sandwiches made by the Edgewood Elementary students over the next three days to help feed those experiencing homelessness in the Milwaukee area.

The takeaway

This event demonstrates how students, even at a young age, can make a meaningful impact on their local community through acts of compassion and service. By providing meals for those in need, the Greenfield students are setting an inspiring example of how to be engaged citizens and make a difference.