How You Can Help Stop Childhood Hunger in America
America is one of the richest countries, yet we still have children who go to school hungry, come home hungry, and lack the food and nutrition they need to grow. Because there are many government programs to aid in assistance, many people don’t know how serious of an issue this is. Although we have programs to help, not everyone who needs food fits into that scale. If you want to help stop childhood hunger in America, here is what you can do:
Know the Facts
When it comes to childhood hunger, you may not know how many children actually go hungry on a daily or weekly basis. Knowing the facts is a key way to understanding the problem of childhood hunger and reaching out to others. Here are just a few of the facts about childhood hunger in America:
- Nearly half of children who are eligible for free or reduced breakfast don’t receive it. That is 10 million children starting their school day hungry.
- Teachers report that kids in grades K-8 say that 3 out of every 5 students come to school hungry.
- In America, 1 in every 5 children lives in a household where access to consistent food is slim to none.
- 20% of families needing food assistance are not eligible for government assistance.
Build Awareness
If you didn’t know how severe the stats were for childhood hunger in America, that means others don’t either. You can help stop childhood hunger by building awareness. Talk to friends, family members, and co-workers about the facts of childhood hunger in America. Let the country know that children are hungry in one of the richest countries in the world.
Look at the Situation Differently
Many adults do not qualify for government assistance based on income statistics (20% of hungry families). This means that a lot of families are faced with the dilemma of paying a crucial bill such as rent, gas or electric or paying for food. This choice is not always a black and white choice. Many times these families are facing eviction, shut-offs, and other dilemmas if their bills are not paid. This means as important as food is, it has to wait.
Look into the Backpack Program
Call your local schools to see if they participate in the backpack program. This is a program that sends kids home with a full bag of food for the weekend. You can donate food to help feed hungry children while they are at home. If your school doesn’t have this program, ask about starting one, and get others involved in donating food for kids on the weekend.
Volunteer to Help
Volunteering at food banks, homeless shelters, and other local programs is a fast tangible way to help those who are hungry. Many local places need volunteers to donate food, package, sort and distribute food to hungry families. You can help stop childhood hunger by volunteering to help your local food banks and homeless shelters.
Shop at your local Safeway store like I do! I shop with the Kent Island Chester, Maryland Safeway store and sometimes my Easton, Maryland Safeway, depending on where I’m running errands with kids.
The Chester, Maryland is holding a campaign nationally! From September 1st thru September 30th, 2016 the “Hunger Is” campaign will help to aid childhood hunger efforts in America. This program is designed to raise awareness and funds to improve childhood hunger and specifically expand breakfast programs at the school. There are two ways you can participate:
1. Purchase participating items: Look for tags for participating items. Everyone that you purchase will trigger at least 10 cents towards the “Hunger Is” campaign.
2. Donate at the register: You can donate $1, $3, or any dollar amount to your purchase (not available at Jewel or United Banners).
Childhood hunger isn’t only in 3rd world countries. It could be your neighbor, the child at the park, or even your friend. Help stop childhood hunger in America by being a part of the solution. Visit Chester, Maryland Safeway store to be a part of the solution, today!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Albertsons Companies & Hunger Is. The opinions and text are all mine.
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