Giving hope to the hungry
During Pope Francis’ recent trip to the United States, there was seemingly non-stop coverage of the official meetings, parades, and speeches. For me, however, the visits that stood out were the visits with those who perhaps suffer most in society—the homeless and hungry.
Pope Francis’ willingness to meet with people who are marginalized because of homelessness and hunger should not come as a surprise. In remarks to participants in the Second International Conference on Nutrition at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 2014, Pope Francis said, “Nowadays there is much talk of rights, frequently neglecting duties; perhaps we have paid too little heed to those who are hungry.”
I am reminded of his remarks when I think of the 16 million children in the United States who struggle daily with hunger. As educators, we see first-hand how hunger and chronic illness can lead to poor performance in school, while better health and nutrition can improve academic success. We know that children who experience hunger have lower math scores, are more likely to repeat a grade, and have more health problems, which prevents them from coming to school. It’s no secret that an empty stomach can be a distraction—especially to learning.
Unlike many of the tough challenges we face as a nation, we can do something about student hunger.
The most important and influential teaching assignment I’ve ever had was at The Road Home, a homeless shelter in Salt Lake City. Beyond just teaching students, we nurtured them. We cared for them, ensured they were safe, fed, clothed and had the medical attention they needed. Working at The Road Home opened my eyes to the needs of students and really the Whole Family. All families need access to health care good nutrition, and community services.
The Road Home experience has stayed with me. As special as the students I met there were to me, I know that there are millions of students like them all across this country who don’t know when they will eat their next meal.
As a community of educators, we can help by taking action to fight hunger, promote health and wellness, and help ensure that our students are ready learn. That is why NEA members across the country are participating in theChallenge to End Student Hunger, a national campaign NEA is co-hosting with NEA Member Benefits and NEA Healthy Futures.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of student hunger and the effect of hunger on learning-readiness and related issues. The campaign also will recognize NEA members, local affiliates, state affiliates, and schools for efforts to end student hunger with #FightStudentHunger Challenge Awards. Together with our partners, we will present 18 awards to individuals, schools, and NEA affiliates in recognition of outstanding programs and activities to help #FightStudentHunger.
I know that many of you reading this have stories about keeping a drawer full of snacks for students who come to school hungry or don’t have enough to eat. I encourage all of you who have established creative and effective Giving hope to the hungry - Lily's Blackboard: