Principals Tackle Student Food Insecurity
Principals across the nation work every day with one thing in their minds: the success of their students. They understand that a child’s health and wellness is essential to their learning. For this reason, principals have always been a critical part of ending childhood hunger in America.
Today, principals face an extraordinary set of challenges in the fallout of the pandemic. Learning gaps have grown, many students face additional social and emotional challenges, and staff shortages have impacted educators’ ability to address all the needs of their students.
This Principal Appreciation Month, we’re highlighting a school leader who, in the face of these immense obstacles, continues to work hand in hand with her school nutrition team to ensure kids have the food they need.
Staci Peters, Asbury Elementary School, Groveport Madison School District
Along with the district’s then Assistant Superintendent, Jamie Grube, and Food Service Director, Dan Magee, they worked to pilot Breakfast in the Classroom in Spring of 2019. The pilot program ran at Ashbury Elementary, and Staci’s advocacy and support during this phase paved the way for successful district-wide implementation.
Alternative breakfast models, like Breakfast In the Classroom, ensure all kids start the school day ready to learn. When breakfast is served as part of the school day, it eliminates barriers to participation so more students have access, which paves the way for higher test scores and increased attendance as a result.
This month is a recognition of those leaders who are behind the scenes, making decisions to ensure all staff are safe, school meals are out the door and kids have the nutrition they need to do their best.
As 1 in 6 kids in Ohio could be living with hunger, we thank school principals who understand the importance of school meals.
Join us this Principal Appreciation Month by celebrating principals in your community who have helped champion school meals and student health.