Almost 60% of the 1.5 million North Carolina public school students are eligible for Free or Reduced-Price school meals, according to reports. Friday, East Bladen High School announced Ms. Linda Beard, an East Bladen teacher, has been recognized as a 2020 Hunger Hero by No Kid Hungry North Carolina.
No Kid Hungry North Carolina was formed in 2011 in partnership with state leaders and the national campaign. In 2014, No Kid Hungry NC became an initiative based at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.
The state program has a special focus on ending childhood hunger. The organization strives to provide child hunger resources for educators, families, and advocates in North Carolina.
2020 Hunger Heroes are recognized for their work to make sure kids are getting the nutrition they need. Ms. Beard will be recognized on February 19th at the 9th annual NC Child Hunger Leaders Conference in Chapel Hill.
Here are some tips on how to be an advocate for hungry children.
** Reach out to the school district leaders and ask them to consider serving afterschool meals.
** pread the word about summer meals available in the area for children up to ages 18. Find where the meals are offered by texting FOODNC to 877-877. (Text feature only operates June-August each year.)
** Almost a quarter of our NC public schools are serving breakfast. Encourage students to take advantage of School Breakfast.
** Donate to the programs. Visit http://hpdp.unc.edu/about-us/giving/ for more information.
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