Jobs are hard to find on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in northern Montana, just south of the Canadian border. Unemployment stands at 69%, and alcoholism, sickness or homelessness affect almost every family.
“The majority of my students struggle with having enough food to eat,” said Julie Hayes, the principal at Browning Middle School.
Jerrica Lunak, who grew up in Browning and now works with AmeriCorps at the middle school, agrees. “Everyone lives on a tight budget, and it’s hard to squeeze in money for food. Some of these students are not getting a nutritious dinner at night — if they’re even getting dinner — so they’re coming to school really hungry.”
Luckily, there is a solution.
With No Kid Hungry’s help, the local high school and middle school were able to launch a new breakfast program, one where every kid gets a healthy meal during class.
“All of them eat,” said Robin Bear Child, who teaches social studies. “I’ve never seen one student that didn’t want to eat breakfast.” And the results, she said, have been positive. “They’re more alert and ready to learn.
“I’ve never seen one student that didn’t want to eat breakfast.”
From school breakfast programs that reach more kids to free summer meals to making the most of SNAP benefits, No Kid Hungry is working to ensure that every family, in every community, is able to give their children what they need to grow up strong and healthy. Your support makes that possible.
“What I love about my job is watching the students so excited to eat, and knowing that every student has the same opportunity to have a healthy breakfast every morning,” said Jerrica. “It’s making a huge difference.”
