5 Questions with Alexis Kriplean, Franklin Special School District
Alexis Kriplean is a No Kid Hungry Youth Ambassador working this summer at the Franklin Special School District. The Youth Ambassador program is a ten-week paid internship program for undergraduate students to help end childhood hunger in their communities. Learn more about No Kid Hungry’s youth engagement here.
No Kid Hungry Tennessee spoke with Alexis about the challenges, opportunities, and impact of feeding kids through summer meals.
Can you describe your community? What do you love about it?
The FSSD community has been such a joy to be a part of this summer. This was my first year working this job so I didn’t know what to expect. With that being said, I had a lot to learn. Everyone I have worked with this summer has been so kind and are always helping where is needed. One thing I really love about the people is that everyone works together. If someone finishes a task early, they help someone else out who hasn’t finished yet.
How did you decide to become a Youth Ambassador? What have you learned from the experience so far?
I decided to become a Youth Ambassador because I wanted to work with a purpose this summer. Hunger is a problem that affects so many children all over the world and even in my own backyard. When I read the description of the Youth Ambassador I knew I wanted to do it because it would allow me to serve my community that I love so much. I have learned so much from this job. Not only have I gotten to help serve children free food in my area, but I have also gotten to see the behind the scenes of the process of working a summer meals program. There are so many different factors that go into a summer meals program; ordering, delivering, promoting, cooking, serving, inventory etc. This job has given me a whole new perception of how a business runs.
What are the most memorable parts of your experience as a Youth Ambassador?
I have gotten to do so many different things with this job. Every week is different. Some of my most memorable parts as a Youth Ambassador have been when I am with the kids. The other day I went to one of our open sites and talked with some of the kids while they ate lunch. I asked them some questions such as; What is your favorite food? What food would you like to see served in the cafeteria? Etc. All the kids were willing to participate and I enjoyed just getting to talk to them. Another memorable part for me was when I got to serve at the school for the younger kids. The kids were so polite. I even remember this one kid named John who would always call me by my name and ask if I was having a good day. It was an overall joy getting to see the smiles on the kids’ faces after they got their food.
What are some of the challenges you or your organization are facing?
One of the main challenges we are facing this year with our organization is a decrease in numbers of kids. With Williamson County’s raise in prices for living, several of our families have moved.
If you could tell everyone in America something about childhood hunger or summer meals programs, what would you tell them?
If I could tell everyone in America something about childhood hunger or summer meals programs, I would tell them this. Someone who gets free food/ has access to free food should not be labeled as someone who is poor. Every child in America deserves the right to have access to nutritious food. Food is energy, and without it kids can’t kids.