Food insecurity is nothing new. Students showing up hungry to school is something teachers, unfortunately, are used to. But COVID-19 has opened the eyes of even those hardened to these truths to the needs of children they teach each day.
“We got into people’s homes virtually more than ever,” says Trenton Middle School Principal Matthew Clarke referring to the period last spring when students were learning from home. “It brought it into the spotlight a little bit more.”
It wasn’t what they saw through virtual classes so much that worried teachers, but rather the ones who they never heard from – families without computers or the internet.
That’s why school staff in Trenton and throughout Pictou County are working hard to meet every need they can.
At Trenton Middle School, Clarke said they’re fortunate to be able to now provide students access to computers should the need for virtual learning happen again.
But there’s also much more happening continuously at the school and others. Many of these programs have been in place for years, but schools are making sure those who can use the support are aware of them.
The supports start first thing in the morning with students having access to a breakfast program. It’s extended throughout the day with healthy snacks in every classroom.
“We have that available to every kid in every class,” Clarke said.
Then at lunch, if a kid needs food the school makes sure they have it.
Many schools, including Trenton, have also implemented a backpack program. People who sign up for the program receive a backpack full of easy to make healthy food for the weekends or holidays, when students won’t have access to food at school.
While some of the funding for this comes through the school board, additional funding for the extras comes through grants from organizations like the United Way of Pictou County and local businesses.
For Clarke, the reasons for helping aren’t just humanitarian. It’s because they know that students learn and feel better when their stomachs are full. When they view school as a safe place, it makes them want to stay in school. And as an educator, he’s a believer in the fact that a good education can be a poverty cycle breaker.
In addition to food programs, Trenton Middle School was able to get some funding to help provide winter clothing for students who might benefit from it. In addition to that, they’ve also created a place where students can help themselves to personal items such as toothbrushes, deodorant or feminine hygiene products.
“They don’t want to have to come and ask for it,” Clarke said. “They can just grab one.”
While they keep it completely anonymous and don’t ask students any questions, Clarke said there have been several who have expressed their gratitude.
“Some will come and say 'I’m glad that was there. I didn’t have one at home.’”
For him and the other staff who help meet those needs, there’s nothing more rewarding. They know they’re making a difference.
“All the people say it’s one of the best parts of the job.”
