Meals on Wheels for kids
As I filled my shopping cart with food for my family my mind drifted to the children who our administrative team delivered food to just three weeks ago. I wondered if they had enough to eat. I have witnessed them taking food from our Share Table in the cafeteria, taking home bags of food on Fridays so they have food over the weekend, and even taking food from other people because they are hungry. During the school year I know that we can care for them, provide them at least two meals per day and give them food to take home but during the summer.....what happens then?
There are federal programs in place that offer locations where parents can take children to have two meals per day over the summer. But, speaking from experience and talking with school administration, the children rarely come because transportation to these sites is not possible for the families. Those few who do come walk 30-45 minutes to get to school and 30-45 minutes back on busy roads without sidewalks with tiny children. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, approximately 22.1 million children participate in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program during the school year but only 1 in 6 of those children participate in the summer meals program.
Just as I had the realization that if we want children to read over the summer we should bring the books to them, in their neighborhoods, on a weekly basis through our BB Harris Book Mobile, the same should hold true for food. One can simply look to Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs to understand that in order for children to learn, basic needs have to be met, with food being one of the first of those needs, along with water, shelter and warmth. Do we truly think that children can be hungry for three months while out of school, then come to school ready to learn? Moreover, how can we expect children to continue learning and reading over the summer if their very basic needs are not being met?
I am not one to point out a problem and not attempt to address it. In fact, when I see a problem, especially when it involves children, I am going to do everything in my power to ensure it is addressed which has prompted me to meet with two principals within our community to see what we can do to address this issue. I've found a part of the federal program which enables delivery of meals but am unsure if it can apply to the area in which our children live. We are also looking at partnering with the Mayor, who is a former principal of our school, to develop a program.
I am looking for feedback, ideas, comments, anything that could spark new thoughts or develop into solutions for this problem.
There are federal programs in place that offer locations where parents can take children to have two meals per day over the summer. But, speaking from experience and talking with school administration, the children rarely come because transportation to these sites is not possible for the families. Those few who do come walk 30-45 minutes to get to school and 30-45 minutes back on busy roads without sidewalks with tiny children. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, approximately 22.1 million children participate in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program during the school year but only 1 in 6 of those children participate in the summer meals program.
Just as I had the realization that if we want children to read over the summer we should bring the books to them, in their neighborhoods, on a weekly basis through our BB Harris Book Mobile, the same should hold true for food. One can simply look to Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs to understand that in order for children to learn, basic needs have to be met, with food being one of the first of those needs, along with water, shelter and warmth. Do we truly think that children can be hungry for three months while out of school, then come to school ready to learn? Moreover, how can we expect children to continue learning and reading over the summer if their very basic needs are not being met?
I am not one to point out a problem and not attempt to address it. In fact, when I see a problem, especially when it involves children, I am going to do everything in my power to ensure it is addressed which has prompted me to meet with two principals within our community to see what we can do to address this issue. I've found a part of the federal program which enables delivery of meals but am unsure if it can apply to the area in which our children live. We are also looking at partnering with the Mayor, who is a former principal of our school, to develop a program.
I am looking for feedback, ideas, comments, anything that could spark new thoughts or develop into solutions for this problem.
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