Families can receive food and educational resources this semester for students
Students Shouldn't Suffer
Salisbury, Md. – While some families will be set for the semester, other families suffer from food insecurity or lack of educational resources. Many programs this summer fed children free of charge and gave them meals for the weekend. At the same time, students were also provided with numerous educational resources to help student reach their reading level and advance in STEM activities. So where do they go from here?
Over 30 million children here in the U.S. participate in free or reduced lunch programs. On the other hand, a national exam reports one in three children cannot read at a basic level of comprehension. Now that school has started back, the question is, how will these children be affected, and how are local services helping prevent students from struggling this school year?
No child should go hungry, that’s what Dan Magan, Regional Program Director of the Maryland Food Bank believes. He says they work with 41 schools along the Eastern Shore that distribute meals to students. “I mean, we all have hard times, so it’s nice to have those options and not feel like you’re “in need” you’re just needing help right now… A lot of schools in this area do a backpack program so they will separate the food out into little bags that the kids can take home in their backpacks. Some do drive-throughs…”
He tells us that for those who have dietary restrictions, they do have some options, and the schools are really good with catering to their demographic. “On the Eastern Shore you have a lot of Haitian and a lot of Latino, so they have different wants and needs in their diets, or things that they prefer.” Dan says that the shame and stigma that comes with needing help can actually keep people away. He believes people should be able to get that help they need, with dignity. “One in three Marylanders suffer from food insecurity, that’s a lot. So, if you feel like you might be suffering from that, you’re not alone, and it’s not that uncommon.”
Food insecurity and education go hand-in-hand, and when you’re at home and you’re hungry, it’s harder to do your homework. “The whole point of homework is to reinforce what you learn in school. To give it like a second chance to sort of sink in.” Karen Earp is the Youth Services Manager for the Wicomico County Public Library. She says there are resources for children and their Homework Help Center for K -12 is taught by a Salisbury University student who just wanted to give back. “We’ve got a dedicated volunteer that manages this little space here. He can help with anything- math, reading, science, it doesn’t matter. He’s prepared to help.”
Moving forward, they both agree that the shame of asking for help, whether that be with your homework or because you’re hungry, should never be a reason a child suffers. Earp says that tutoring can never be a bad thing. “If it’s a bit too much for you to do on your own getting help with it, that’s just going to help you do better overall.” Dan says we all are just one step away from needing help ourselves. “It’s not horrible to reach out and need help sometimes, I think we’ve all had a moment.”
The Wicomico County Public Library’s Homework Help Center has been open at 3 pm Monday through Thursday, and they say hours may change for the school semester so keep an eye out on their website. If you wish to sign up for assistance, you’ll be able to find information there as well.
The Maryland Food Bank says that if you don’t know where to find a pantry near you, just go to their website and put in your address to locate food resources near you. For those who wish to donate, clink the button on their page or feel free to ask your child’s school if they have a pantry and donate there.
