by Joyce Mills
Hunger is one of the many faces of poverty. It keeps children from learning, increases the reason for children being absent from school, causes anxieties and low self-esteem, and even keeps the child from paying attention in class.
Raleigh County Schools are putting great emphasis on good attendance this year. Being absent causes students from PreK – High School to get behind. An elementary teacher has said, “The problems of hunger leads to all kinds of problems. It has a snowball effect. These students fall behind and they never really catch up.”
As I was reading a national report on hungry children some interesting things were given such as:
- 3 out of 4 public school teachers say that students regularly come to school hungry
- 81% of teachers say it happens at least once a week
- 53% of teachers say children who have enough food have improved attendance
- 73% see kids paying better attention in class when there is enough food
- A quote from a guidance counselor, ”Hunger is causing the demise of an entire generation that has much potential. These children are fighting for their lives daily.”
First Baptist, along with many other churches in the community, is trying to do its part. This week there will be 16 backpacks for kids at Beckley Elementary filled with nutritious food for 6 meals and 2 snacks for the weekend. As has been said, “This is America.”
It makes no sense for kids to go hungry.” Schools are trying hard to feed kids healthy foods. Churches are helping on weekends and still the numbers tell us that 1 out of 5 kids is hungry.
We still need workers to pack the backpacks. This is a one time out of the month job. Let us know if have less than an hour’s time that you could give to help. Thank you for continuing to faithfully give your money. For the month of October donations of Vienna Sausage are needed. You are asked to put food donations on the back counter in the church kitchen.