Lucas and Emily’s Food Bank Adventure Promotes Empathy and Action Just in Time for Back to School

 

HUDSON, Ohio, August 27, 2025 — In a time when screens dominate and self-focus is the norm, one new children’s book is bringing back the values of compassion, action and community. Lucas and Emily’s Food Bank Adventure from award-winning author Dave Grunenwald isn’t just a fun read—it’s a gentle call to action for children to become thoughtful, helpful citizens. With heart, humor and hands-on inspiration, the book helps young readers understand that even small acts of kindness—like volunteering at a food bank—can spark big change.

This heartening story follows best friends Lucas and Emily as they roll up their sleeves and lend a hand at the city food bank, while also exploring a few smaller ones closer to home. From sorting canned goods and assembling lunch bags to meeting new faces and learning about the people who rely on these services, the book shows kids that volunteering can be eye-opening, meaningful and even fun.

“Kindness is contagious,” said Grunenwald. “I wanted to create a story that shows kids how powerful their actions can be—even small ones. Volunteering doesn't have to be boring or serious; it can be an adventure!”

Lucas and Emily’s Food Bank Adventure is the sixth book in the Lucas and Emily's Adventures series, a delightful collection of stories about grandkids and grandparents bonding through everyday “adventures,” such as cooking, gardening and exploring the wonders of the animal kingdom. Written with children ages 5-10 in mind, the series is meant to foster relationships with family members and friendships with others.

Grunenwald is also the creator of the Grandparent Merit Badges series of books (available in English and Spanish), which features hands-on activities that kids love, designed to spark laughter, learning, and connection between grandparents and their young grandchildren. As readers complete each activity, they earn colorful merit badges and certificates of merit, celebrating the joy of simply spending time side by side.

“We should all support our local food banks. Whether by giving money or food or volunteering your time, it's all helpful. The need is enormous,” Grunenwald added. “People should put down their phones and iPads and spend time volunteering at a local food bank.”

Lucas and Emily’s Food Bank Adventure

Publisher: Halo Publishing

Release Date: June 2025

ISBN-13: 978-1637657584 Available from https://www.amazon.com/Lucas-Emilys-Food-Bank-Adventure/dp/1637657587

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About the Author

Acclaimed children’s author Dave Grunenwald is a proud grandfather and the creator of the Grandparent Merit Badges series, the Friends and Family Merit Badges series, and the Lucas and Emily's Adventures series of books designed to encourage meaningful interactions between grandparents and grandchildren. Grunenwald is a graduate of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in Cleveland, Ohio. He has been an influential real estate developer and attorney for the last 40-plus years in Northeast Ohio and has had the opportunity to travel extensively, visiting most states and 18 foreign countries. His mission is to help families “disconnect from the digital” to reconnect with friends and family.

For more information, please visit www.grandparentmeritbadges.com, or connect with the author on Facebook (Grandparent Merit Badges) and LinkedIn (David Grunenwald).