We can all agree that Virginia’s kids should not go to school hungry. But according to a report published by the nonpartisan group Feeding America, 62 percent of teachers surveyed said some of their students regularly show up to class with empty stomachs. When kids are hungry, they struggle to learn. When kids don’t learn, they struggle in life – struggle to get good-paying jobs, earn a good income, and provide opportunity for the next generation. I sure know that when I’m hungry, I’m not performing at my best.
Starting this fall, any school where at least 40 percent of the population lives below the poverty line will be able to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision of the National School Lunch Program. Currently over 82 percent of kids at Original Walker-Grant Elementary School are eligible. This is an amazing opportunity to make sure that every kid in is getting fed and starting their day off ready to learn.
June 30 is the last day schools can apply to take advantage. As concerned citizens, we need to talk to our local school officials to make sure they know about community eligibility and how much it helps kids in low income neighborhoods. Together we can make sure that every child gets feed at school.
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