FoodCorps’ Post

Read my latest article in the Kentucky Kernel on the Big Blue Pantry and the role it has played in helping students put food on the table this semester. https://lnkd.in/gQJxv_nN

With the start of a new school year right around the corner, some US states are bringing back free school meals for all kids, regardless of family income. At present, nine states — California, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, and Vermont — have restored free meals for all students. Most programs are permanent but some, like the one in Nevada, are in place for the 2023-24 school year only. In addition to these nine states, at least 21 other states are working toward expanded meal programs. This list includes Connecticut, which passed legislation this week offering free meals to more, though not all students. Are there ideas or lessons here for Canada? Currently, we are the only G7 country without a national school food program. #foodsecurity #children #schoolnutrition #lessonslearned

Many years ago, someone in the UK asked me whether they should prioritise school breakfast or school dinners and whether the focus should be on primary or secondary. In reality, in the UK, many children rely on both. Across the UK schools often teach core subjects, where cognitive load is high, in the morning. So if a child arrives at school without having eaten breakfast, then waiting until lunch will not support their learning across the morning. Likewise, missing lunch will not support academic subjects taught in the afternoon. New research shows that the first 8000 days are important for physical, cognitive and emotional development so the same principles apply to secondary schools. Often secondary schools are not included in universal free school meal initiatives or they are left facing a 'roll out' that never seems to come. So, if the UK government finances prevent a roll out of universal free school meals, then perhaps the UK government should change the means tested criteria for FSM in England so more primary and secondary may benefit, but not by taking away school breakfast clubs, after school provision or school holiday provision. If school food is going to make a significant impact on improving educational attainment, narrowing the attainment gap, and support childrens health and wellbeing then politicians need to start asking the 'right' questions so we can implement culturally appropriate, effective and coherent school food solutions that will have a positive impact on childrens health and education. As a young person said, "We are an investment, not a cost". (Miley, 2022, LeadingLink).

Many students eagerly anticipate the freedom and fun that summer break promises. However, for many students and families, the summer months can be a time of significant struggle and uncertainty...especially concerning food insecurities.  Click the link below to learn a few quick easy resources to share with students and families. https://lnkd.in/eC49-erZ

UD’s approach to food insecurity is holistic and data-driven, offering a campus food pantry and other resources to support students in need. UD builds a community around their students so that they all recognize those who are struggling, and they all are responsible for each other. Many universities today are now offering a much-needed campus food pantry. One of the challenges of addressing food insecurity on college campuses is that it is hidden or stigmatized. Luckily, the advisor noticed the reason the student in the intro of this story, was struggling with academics. My concern is that as advisors, we may not always notice the need every student has, because we are seeing so many students, don’t always have time to notice a change in each student, it’s our first meeting with this student, we have limited time with students, and/or our focus may be more academic. So, if the advisor isn’t noticing, who is? Who’s being missed? Some students may not feel like they are eligible or worthy of this service. They may face barriers such as shame, guilt, pride, or fear of judgment. They may also have misconceptions about what food insecurity means, or who it affects. UD goes beyond providing a pantry, but also creates a culture of awareness, empathy, and solidarity among the campus community. They effortlessly build a community around the students to ensure that each person who experiences food insecurity is supported without judgement. They educate the campus community about food insecurity, and how to spot the signs and symptoms. UD encourages students to share their stories and experiences, seek help when they need it and to share the communal experience of breaking bread together. UD's commitment to community, creating a sense of belonging and responsibility embraces all students to ensure that no one goes hungry, and that everyone can thrive academically and personally. They foster care by empowering students, faculty and staff to volunteer and contribute to the campus food pantry and other initiatives. UD’s food pantry and philosophy serves as a best practice for other campuses to model.

Community advisory councils are often required (by funders or government regulators), or added on when projects don't achieve expected outcomes. Having a highly effective community engagement model is rare and difficult to accomplish. Here's one example of several stakeholders coming together to make it happen.

Food security is a major issue on college campuses. Approximately 1 in 3 college students are food insecure, and the struggle to make ends meet leaves many having to choose between utilities, housing, tuition, textbooks, and groceries. Updated policies and programs are needed to reflect the current reality of food security issues on college campuses. This back-to-school season, learn more about this important issue and innovative methods for combatting hunger on college campuses in this newly updated series: https://lnkd.in/gMby3b8w #CollegeCampuses #FoodInsecurity #CollegeStudents #Hunger [Image description: Black text reads "Approximately 1 in 3 college students are food insecure, and the struggle to make ends meet leaves many having to choose between utilities, housing, tuition, textbooks, and groceries." inside of a white circle. Background image is a collage of four photos related to college students and food security, each with a different color overlay. communitycommons.org is listed at the bottom.]

How to get free summer meals for your kids in NC

We are so excited that 35 states, 4 Indian Tribal Organizations, and all 5 US Territories have submitted a notice of intent to run the Summer EBT program in 2024, with many more hoping to be able to adopt in Summer 2025. Through this process we have come to understand the barriers that have kept certain states logistically from running the program this summer and hope that, with TA from USDA and the support of our state advocates, we can figure out a way to bring all states into this program next summer. The summer can be the hungriest time of year for children as they lose access to school meals. While we had hoped to hit the ground running with all 50 states opting in this summer, if all states submit their final plans by Feb 15, over 20 million children will receive additional grocery benefits to help keep them fed, so they can return to the classroom in the fall ready to learn. The article does a great job of summarizing why certain states have chosen to opt out or are deferring to next summer: https://lnkd.in/dFHWfRg9