The American Federation of Teachers recently gave out grants in urban, suburban, and rural communities across America to increase literacy and improve nutrition in dozens of schools. In Louisiana, AFT s Powerful Partnerships Institute awarded a grant in Jefferson Parish that will fund a backpack program helping children in food-insecure families at four schools. The 38 grants create partnerships with community organizations and volunteer parent groups to address a number of needs in different school districts. .
Across the globe, hunger is an enormous threat to children. To combat the problem, one rural school district in northwest New Mexico is bringing culturally-appropriate items to the school cafeteria menu. Zach Ben, founder of the Navajo Nation s Bidii Baby Foods, was a new dad during the pandemic when baby foods were in short supply at grocery stores. .
As Minnesota school districts near the halfway point of the academic year, plans are taking shape to study the effectiveness of no-cost meals for all students. In recent months, schools have started implementing so-called "universal lunches" - after getting legislative approval this past spring. Supporters say providing free breakfast and lunch, no matter a student s family income, reduces stigma and can boost classroom participation. .
Just in time for the holidays, two North Carolina A&T State University graduates are taking a stand against hunger among college students, and making a difference in three states. Nearly 30% of four-year university students and 40% of two-year college students face food insecurity. Makayla Williams and Alexis Wray founded MarketBoxx in 2019 to bridge the gap, and now, their mission extends beyond their own school, sending food boxes to college students in Alabama, North Carolina and Texas. .