By

Carri King,   Banneker Elementary School

Play:

Fight Hunger — Help Nourish Your Community

Topics:

Community Involvement, Student Leadership,  Teamwork

Our 6th grade students got the opportunity to go to Jefferson City and be part of the No Kids Hungry - GenYouth Grant workshop. They learned alot and I know they will use the skills in Middle and High School. We brainstormed an idea to end hunger in school and to provide Late Breakfast and Snack Grab and Go areas in the building. Our breakfast participation has dropped from 90% two years ago to 46% this year. Students just don't like what is being served. They need options and not just cereal every morning. They designed a area to have FUTP 60 coolers and a cart where students could grab a granola bar, pop tart, cheese or something easy and go to class. Some students eat at 10:45 and school is not out until 4:10. No snack is provided and many students are hungry. Our solution didn't get picked but we will try again!

How did students and adults work together as a team?

Brainstorming and coming up with solutions to our problems. Talking about how they feel about the school's food. That it is not fresh, warm, or appealing.

How did you accomplish your goals?

We presented a proposal to judges for $1000 grant.

How do you plan to make this Play last during the school year and beyond?

Our cafeteria gets fresh fruit, some snack items but students can't freely go in and get them. It is only during breakfast or lunch. We want the students to be able to get it when they are hungry.