I used to teach elementary school. One summer, I decided to undertake summer school. Generally, you’re in a new setting with new kids that have an entirely different set of circumstances that the kiddos you typically teach.
It was only a few days into summer school when I noticed some of my students eating food out of the trash can that other kids had thrown away. It took every bit of strength I had to hold back my tears. I cried as soon as my students left that day and drove straight to the grocery store to buy snacks to hand out during the day. It was just a temporary band-aid. Summer school would end and the kids wouldn’t have breakfast in the cafeteria anymore nor would I be able to give them snacks.
Some of the kids got bags of food on Friday to take home for the weekend. If food didn’t go home with them, it was likely they wouldn’t have a meal until Monday morning when the school doors opened again.
Now, as a mom, it’s even more heartbreaking to think about kids not having enough to eat. I couldn’t imagine what it feels like knowing that your child is hungry, that since this basic need isn’t met it’s almost impossible for him to learn, grow, and develop as he’s supposed to.
No child should be hungry.
What can we do?
Help end childhood hunger…
