Hunger in America’s Classrooms
Posted by Katherine Campbell on Monday, September 14, 2009
Teachers have an important story to tell about childhood hunger in America. Through Hunger in America’s Classrooms: Share Our Strength’s Teacher Report, we are sharing those stories with America.
Over the past two years, I have visited schools across the country. Whether in New Orleans or Boston, Chicago or Atlanta, teachers always have stories to share—kids too sick or tired to learn because of hunger; teachers using their own money to keep a supply of snacks for hungry students; and the increasing numbers of kids coming to school hungry on Monday morning.
This summer, Share Our Strength decided to interview teachers from across the country.
We asked a simple question, “Do you see child hunger in your classroom, and if so, would you be willing to tell us about your experience?”
The response was overwhelming. Participants came from 47 different states and included teachers from urban and rural school districts, and from public and private schools. They were eager to share stories and to express their frustration with a system that is failing students.
I had the privilege of interviewing many of the teachers, and during an interview with Kate, a teacher in San Antonio, TX, I learned about a second grader named Kimberly who saved extra food from school to take home to her siblings.
“The only meals that this little one, Kimberly, was guaranteed were served at school. Anytime we had leftovers, she would always want to take them home. She’d wrap up the leftover food to take home to her little brothers and sisters. She was a second grader trying to make sure her family got fed.”
Kate, Middle School Teacher, San Antonio, TX
Teachers Talk About Hunger in America’s Classrooms
We know this is just the beginning of stories that need to be heard. We want to learn more. Help us by sharing this teacher survey with teachers and schools that you know. [Teachers: We want to hear about child hunger in your classroom.]
Do you have a story about hunger? Please share it.
[EDITOR: You can see a video of two teachers’ responses in another blog entry.]
September 14, 2009 | | Tags: classroom, hunger, school, school breakfast, school lunch, teachers
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