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Student Hunger Does Not Take Summer Vacation
By Rose Carlson and Dr. Benjamin M. Drury
Addressing food insecurity among students in Chicago is crucial for several reasons. The impact of food insecurity on children’s ability to learn is a significant concern. When children are hungry, their cognitive function, concentration, and overall academic performance can be compromised. By ensuring that students have access to nutritious meals, we can create an environment where they can thrive academically. Teachers understand that students’ ability to learn and thrive in the classroom can be significantly impacted by factors outside of school, such as hunger and lack of resources. They recognize that a hungry student cannot concentrate or fully engage in learning. In response to this, many teachers take it upon themselves to provide meals, snacks, and even the most necessary of items like clothing and hygiene products to ensure that their students’ immediate needs are met. Teachers often go above and beyond their official duties to support their students, and one area where their dedication shines through is in spending their own money to meet the needs of their students. It is not uncommon for teachers to dip into their personal funds to provide resources, supplies, and even food for their students, particularly in communities with high levels of poverty and food insecurity.
