As the seasons start to change and frost begins to form on the tips of grass, holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas draw closer and closer, providing breaks from school for many students. However, for many families, winter’s approach is dreadful.
While many students receive school-provided breakfasts and lunches, an overwhelming number rely on this food as their families struggle to put food on the table. So when school breaks roll around, some students fear that they will not be able to have consistent meals.
Hunger can affect a student’s entire life. There are considerable health risks that come along with prolonged hunger.
The article Effects of Hunger on Children’s Development, published by No Kid Hungry, stated, “Even just a handful of ‘episodes’ of hunger can put young people at risk. One major analysis found that children living with hunger had a measurably higher risk of developing health problems within the next 10 years. The resulting issues vary in type and severity, but they all have one thing in common: they affect a child’s quality of life.”
A child’s immunity to illness can be greatly impacted by hunger as the body does not have enough energy to fight against ailments. They can develop mood swings that affect their ability to focus on their school work.
Some families struggle to put food on the table but many others have canned food that rests in their pantry, going untouched. Donating to local food drives and food banks is one way to give back to the community.
Louisville’s food bank, Dare To Care, accepts a variety of help. From food donations to volunteers, there are many ways to support their cause. Dare To Care uses donations to provide programs such as summer meals for students and their Commodities Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) that aim to improve the health of individuals 60 years of age or older.
On their official website, they have an interactive map that allows individuals to find more local places that will provide them with food.
While there are plenty of food banks, students can also participate in school-ran food drives.
Children deserve to eat every day whether school is in session or not. There are too many kids who go hungry in America but there are ways to help through volunteer work and supporting local food banks.