River Runs Full: Kayaking excursion hopes to turn miles into meals for youth in need
Paddling with a purpose ... Sydney Matrisciano from Winona, MS and Leah Pettit from Berea, KY (left to right) have been kayaking the length of the Mississippi River since August 1 of this year in an effort to raise funds to help with food insecurity in their native home state of Mississippi. The two ventured through Allamakee County’s border waters of the Mighty Mississippi the weekend of August 21-24. Submitted photo.
by Joshua Sharpe
Two individuals, Sydney Matrisciano from Winona, MS, and Leah Pettit from Berea, KY, are undertaking an ambitious kayaking expedition along the entirety of the Mississippi River, commencing from its source in Minnesota and concluding at the Gulf of Mexico within a 60-day timeframe. This initiative, titled “River Runs Full,” spans nearly 2,300 miles and serves as a fundraiser aimed at raising $10,000 to help address childhood hunger in Mississippi, where over 20 percent of children experience food insecurity on a regular basis.
Starting their trek at the beginning of August, the paddling pair made their way through the Mississippi River waters bordering Allamakee County during the August 21-24 timeframe. Their trip’s first venture outside the state where the Mississippi River originates included a stay in Lansing, with details of that stay described later in this same article.
Throughout their journey, the two have been camping, and will continue to camp, on various islands, navigating approximately 30 miles each day, and depending on local hospitality, all while raising funds for two grassroots initiatives: Feeding the Future and Blessings for All: Empowered by Faith. Each mile traveled on the river corresponds with an appeal to provide nourishment for children in their home state. Contributions to their fundraising efforts can be made through the website RiverRunsFull.com, which also provides access to the paddlers’ blog and donation link.
DETAILS OF THE INITIATIVE
Having commenced their journey at the headwaters of the Mississippi River, Matrisciano and Pettit have now nearly completed their trip, with basically the remainder of the state of Louisiana yet to go by month’s end. Yet, the funding initiative is just barely over halfway to its $10,000 goal. The impetus for this undertaking is both straightforward and urgent: in Mississippi, over one in five children, approximately 159,370, regularly experience food insecurity, a reality that significantly impairs their educational attainment and prospects.
The contributions generated from this journey will directly support supplemental feeding programs, including backpack meals and pantry assistance, designed to bridge the nutritional gap that exists between school and home.
Matrisciano grew up in Winona, MS, on the edge of the Delta, while Pettit was raised within the vicinity of Grenada County in Mississippi. Both individuals attended a competitive math and science boarding school and recognized how educational opportunities can dramatically alter life trajectories, provided that basic needs are met.
TO PROVIDE SUPPORT
All updates and donations in support of their cause flow through RiverRunsFull.com, which also links to the team’s GoFundMe page. For fellow Mississippi River travelers, the public Facebook group “Mississippi River Paddlers” offers shared notes and support. Those wishing to make more direct contact may reach Matrisciano at sydneymatrisciano29@gmail.com or at 662-229-7241.
Word can also be spread by sharing the campaign link with friends, groups, or community networks. Those living along the river may want to consider joining the “River Angel” tradition by offering a shower, meal, or safe place to stay. And for larger contributions, organizations can sponsor a guided paddle day for children participating in the feeding programs - one business has already funded a full boat of 17 kids.
To read the full article, pick up the Wednesday, September 24, 2025 print edition of The Standard or subscribe to our e-edition or print edition by clicking here.
