Spring break is in the air, a time when many kids and their caregivers look forward to a break from school and work. But for millions of kids across the country who rely on school meals, this time of year can bring anxiety about missing out the essential nutrition that they get in school.
New research commissioned by HelloFresh, in partnership with No Kid Hungry, highlights the urgency of this escalating crisis. A survey with 1,000 educators across the country reveals a troubling reality: teachers are seeing increased hunger in their classroom, and the gap in access to meals during school breaks, like summer and spring break, is leaving far too many kids without the food they need to thrive.
Hunger in the Classroom
Teachers are often the first to see the impact of hunger on their students. The findings from the survey reveal the extent of this pervasive problem in classrooms across the nation.
Nearly 8 in 10 (78%) teachers say they are concerned about childhood hunger in the communities where they teach, and 3 in 5 (60%) know firsthand that their students are experiencing hunger.
These educators are not just witnesses to this crisis, they are resorting to using their own resources to help. Almost all teachers (92%) have taken some action to address student hunger in the classroom communities. Nearly half personally provide food in the classroom, and more than one-quarter have bought food for students to eat outside of school. Many are helping at great personal cost – some spending up to $100 of their own money each month to ensure their students don’t go hungry.
Teachers know this isn't a problem they can solve when kids are out of school. Most teachers are concerned about students having enough to eat during school breaks, and nearly three-quarters worry specifically about their students’ ability to access nutritious meals when school is out.
“Teachers are sounding the alarm; the current state of child hunger is unacceptable,” said Allison Shuffield, managing director of corporate partnerships at No Kid Hungry. “These findings really show the extent of the child hunger crisis in America and how it’s keeping kids from reaching their full potential. With the support of partners like HelloFresh, we are committed to working across sectors to strengthen and protect programs that ensure kids get the nutrition they need all year round.”
The 13 for 13 Million Campaign
In partnership with No Kid Hungry, HelloFresh is supporting important programs to address the hunger gap during school breaks. Through the 13 for 13 Million Campaign, HelloFresh hosted meal distribution events and pop-up pantries where they also hosted opportunities for parents to know more about programs like SNAP and Sun Bucks.
This spring, HelloFresh is continuing to host events so students keep receiving the meals they need. They are also giving families in select communities the opportunity to apply for LimeAid grants that will provide them with free HelloFresh meals.
Learn more about the partnership between HelloFresh and No Kid Hungry.
How You Can Help
Almost 14 million children in America are living with hunger. We know what it takes to end this crisis, and your support will make a difference.
Donate: $1 can help provide 10 meals* for kids. Your support will help us fund meal programs all over the country and help us advocate for policies that will help kids get the meals they need. *Donations help support programs that feed kids; No Kid Hungry does not provide individual meals. Learn more at NoKidHungry.org/OneDollar.
Speak up for kids: Reach out to your elected officials and ask them to do more to end childhood hunger. Tell your lawmaker to advocate for policies that will help kids get the meals they need.
