Four Clinton School students are partnering with Governor Mike Beebe’s “No Kid Hungry Campaign” to identify and bridge gaps in programs that feed hungry children across Arkansas.
The students are working with the campaign in partnership with the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and Share Our Strength. As part of the school’s applied curriculum, the students will research and analyze how impoverished children in Arkansas are getting food when not in school.
“Hungry children have a tougher time learning than other students, which means that hunger threatens their ability to succeed in school,” Beebe said. “The campaign to feed our children and end childhood hunger is an investment in the future of Arkansas.”
Many children are unsure where their next meal will come from when not in school. For this reason, the campaign is giving attention to a number of programs that feed children on nights and weekends, when their access to food may be limited.
“The Arkansas No Kid Hungry Campaign works to identify barriers to participation in federal food and nutrition programs, making sure that no child in Arkansas grows up hungry,” said Joyce Hardy, director of the campaign. “The work of these four Clinton School students will help assess non-congregate child nutrition programs in Arkansas and how those programs can ensure nutritious, affordable food for hungry children in Arkansas.”
The Clinton School team consists of Jordan Aibel of Miami, Fla., Katie Longino of Lufkin, Texas, Dylan Perry of Memphis, Tenn., and Andrea Price of Monticello, Ark. Each student has previous experience in education and youth feeding programs and hopes to use their experiences to serve the children of Arkansas.