We are a grassroots organization working to break the cycle of generational poverty by ensuring that children have enough food to eat, even when not at school.
What we know based on research is the following:
- Children that are hungry are sick more often and more often require hospitalization. This leads to more absenteeism for the child and for the child’s caregiver.
- Children that are hungry are unable to reach their full physical potential due to lack of nutrition leading to growth impairment.
- Children that are hungry have lower achievement in school because they cannot concentrate and do not come well prepared to school.
- Children that are hungry have more behavioral and social behaviors because they feel poorly.
- Adults that were hungry as children enter the workforce ill prepared to perform. They may lack the physical, emotional and social skills needed to be successful.
Almost 60% of children in Alabama participate in the free or reduced lunch program. In Montgomery County the number gets as high as 76%. Our program ensures that the children participating in the program do not have to worry about having enough food but instead can focus on just being kids!