Ambassadors address student hunger

While high temperatures cause temporary stress until the heat wave passes, stress caused from food insecurity and hunger could last a lifetime.

The topic of daily hunger for North Carolina children was the point of discussion last week as School Meals for all NC held a forum at Bertie High School to address the matter.

The two-hour event highlighted the fact 1-in-6 children in North Carolina go hungry daily. In 2019, 419,470 children experienced food insecurities in North Carolina.

The organization is advocating for free meals throughout the North Carolina school system based on the principle that hungry kids can’t learn. By November 2022, North Carolina schools had accrued more than $1.3 million in unpaid meal charges.

There were two panel discussions during the event highlighting the need for student ambassadors to promote school meals for all in North Carolina.

Bertie County Schools Child Nutrition Director Tiwana Smallwood was a forum panelist and has overcome numerous challenges over the past year making sure students are fed. However, with local funding cuts being implemented by the county, Smallwood is concerned about the upcoming year.

“It is possible that a cut from the county could negatively impact the School Nutrition Program, as local funds serve as a backup to the program. The School Nutrition program operates independently from state funding,” she stressed. “Instead, our program is an enterprise fund that covers all costs, including labor expenses. The program receives federal reimbursements based on the number of meals served. If the program funds fall short, local funds will have to serve as a backup.”

Inflation has also had a negative impact on the program as food costs continue to soar resulting in an increase in food insecurities. However, the school district had implemented precautions early on.

“Bertie County is a member of the North Carolina Procurement Alliance and also participates in the North Eastern North Carolina Co-op. These two entities play a crucial role in overseeing the pricing of food and food supplies from our vendors,” explained Smallwood.

Many parents are facing food shortages at home and look to the school system to fill the void. The Bertie School district qualifies for the Community Eligibility Provision, allowing all students to enjoy breakfast and lunch without any cost to them.

“This initiative helps to promote overall well being and academic success among our student body by removing barriers to accessing essential meals,” said Smallwood.

While students receive breakfast and lunch, there are still nutritional concerns.

Ensuring students receive their daily nutrition is a priority for Smallwood.

“Providing meals to students is of utmost importance, considering the significant difference in statistics between students who have access to meals and those who do not. According to the research conducted by the Feed America report, the overall food insecurity rate in Bertie County in 2022 was 16 percent while it was 39 percent for children specifically. Ensuring that students have access to meals is crucial for their health and well-being,” said Smallwood.

She added, “The advantage we have is the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. Additionally, if we have an after school program at any of the schools, students also receive snacks free of charge. This provision is particularly significant for some students, as these meals may be the only ones they receive from Monday to Friday. By offering these meals, we are making a positive impact on the lives of our students and promoting their overall well-being.”

Student hunger and nutrition worries increase when school is not in session for Smallwood, but there are organizations that help. Currently, children in the community can access summer meals at Bertie High School as well as other designated sites within the county.

While Smallwood and administrators wrestle with the student nutrition, they are committed to alleviating the problem.

“Bertie County receives strong backing from both the administration and the Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC), demonstrating a united front in our commitment to the well-being of every child,” Smallwood said. “Our primary objective is to provide comprehensive care for the entire child, encompassing their physical, mental, and emotional needs. By fostering a collaborative environment, we strive to effectively address and meet the diverse needs of each child, ensuring their holistic development and success.”

“If you require further details, visit the Bertie County School Nutrition Facebook page or reach out to us via email, or simply give us a call. We are more than happy to assist you with any inquiries you may have,” she closed.