Research from 2017 shows that 13 million American kids from low- to no-income families head off to school each day hungry. The lack of a full diet can leave students zoning out, tired, moody, and behind in their classes.
When Harry S. Truman High School in Bristol Township reopened after holiday break, teachers noticed some students commenting that they didn’t have food at home.
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The school’s teachers took notice and were alarmed.
From there, the teachers got together to create and fully stock a food cupboard in the high school where students can pick up something to eat at home.
While the school district offers programs to help families in need, the food cupboard is directed at high schoolers. Many of those students are caring for siblings while parents are at work.
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Truman English teacher Natalie Wood explained that the cupboard will help kids and families who are struggling to put food on the table.
District officials noted that ongoing economic instability and the recent partial government shutdown seems to have led to demand for the cupboard.
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The school sent an email to the entire student body to make them aware of the cupboard. Currently, district staff is working to set up a system where students can request food through their phones.
Students can ask for food and no questions are asked.
As of this week, the cupboard has helped feed 11 students and their siblings.
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Wood said the high school’s principal, teachers, and custodians have stepped up to make sure the cupboard supply does not dwindle. Students have also come forward to ask how they can help.
In their 2017 survey, No Kid Hungry found 74 percent of teachers responded that they have students who regularly come to class hungry.
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According to federal data, 52 percent of Bristol Township School District students qualify for free lunches through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National School Lunch Program while the statewide average is 44 percent. In the district, six percent of the students qualify for reduced price lunches, which is double the statewide average.
Donations from the public are being accepted. Anyone interested in donating can contact Wood at Natalie.wood@bristoltwpsd.org.
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