Compassion UK’s Post

Universal school meals have been proven to be effective in all the states who've implemented them. Children not only do better in their classes with full stomachs, but they're also able to engage in more productive ways with their teachers and classmates. On days that I've missed breakfast, lunch, or both, I get hangry. My anxiety is elevated, I can't focus, my head hurts, my stomach is growling, and I make more mistakes in my work. But I don't only feel strongly about universal meals for children who are from low-income households. I believe every child in the entire country, regardless of social or economic status, deserves the same free meals. Yes, this program should be for children who come from privileged, even wealthy, families. Food is a great unifier. It helps us connect in ways that nothing else can. And I will continue to fight tirelessly for universal school meals, for better SNAP benefits, and advocate for those who need my loud voice and relentless spirit. https://lnkd.in/gRmqnJCa

Would you believe me if I told you we have a childhood hunger crisis right here in Onslow County? • Over 900 children were enrolled in the CHEW! program during the 2023-2024 school year, and that number is expected to rise this year. Inflation isn’t helping these numbers, as the cost of everything has exponentially increased. Now, imagine not being able to afford to buy food for your household, and now your child needs school supplies before the new school year starts? Imagine being the child in the classroom who doesn’t have school supplies like everyone else, simply because their family couldn’t afford it. The CHEW! Program is here to help! Not only are they providing food for these families in need, but they are providing school supplies as well! • Please join me (and some other fun characters 🧜♀️🫧🐚🦞🐠😉) on 8/17 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, as we work to raise school supplies at the “Stuff The Bus” event on August 17, 2024. The whole drive is 8/16-8/17 from 7:00 AM- 7:00 PM each day, so if you miss us, you can still drop off your supplies! • Let’s help our local school babies start the year off on the right foot! See you there! 🙌🏼 ‼️If you can’t make it either day, just let me know! I will come get them from you and make sure those items get to CHEW!‼️ (Pictures from years past- based on the emojis in the post, can you tell which character I will be this year?!)

💬 “An important and accessible document for all involved in school governance on how you and school leaders can have the vital conversations about children in care” - National Governance Association Download the latest Children in Care: Guide for Governors, created with 9000 Lives ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eMJSmkkz #school #governance

🍽️ Free School Meals Trial Feeds 20,000 More Children! 🍽️  In an inspiring development, thousands of children from some of England’s most disadvantaged households are now receiving free school meals thanks to a new trial scheme. This initiative aims to support children from low-income families by ensuring they have access to nutritious meals at school.  ✅ Key Facts: Families in England are eligible to apply for free school meals if they are on Universal Credit and have a household income below £7,400 per year (after tax). However, a report by Policy in Practice estimates that as many as 470,000 additional families may qualify for this benefit but are currently unregistered. If you or someone you know might be eligible, don’t miss out on this important support! Find out more and apply today to help ensure children get the meals they deserve. 💙✨ 👉 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gT5VEWUe     #FreeSchoolMeals #ChildNutrition #SupportFamilies #UKEducation #FoodInsecurity #UniversalCredit #HelpingChildrenThrive #news #educationnews #uknews  

It's alarming to know that a growing number of children begin primary school without the ability to recognise or read their own name. At ABC to read, we believe every child deserves the chance to unlock their potential through reading. Our trained volunteers work one-on-one with children who struggle with reading, providing the support they need to build confidence and develop key literacy skills. Through patience, encouragement, and personalised guidance, we help children overcome the challenges they face and make reading an enjoyable part of their lives. By supporting ABC to read, you're helping us provide life-changing assistance to children in need. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed in school. Help us make a difference as a volunteer or partner school. Support ABC to read today! info@abctoread.org.uk

"Though low-income students at all American public schools technically qualify for free and reduced-price meals, one-third of eligible students do not participate, according to a Food Research and Action Center estimate. One reason is stigma: Because the school-provided meal, often called “hot lunch,” has long been viewed as a form of welfare, eating it can be a painful marker of poverty. Parents may also fail to complete the requisite paperwork because they have volatile incomes, face language barriers or are embarrassed about their finances. (As Mr. Marthaller put it, “I think it’s a pride thing.”) Others may be struggling but ineligible: To receive free or reduced-price meals, a family of four must earn less than $55,500 per year. When meals are free to all, advocates say, these obstacles are eliminated." https://lnkd.in/gPbfEfry SO GOOD

ENOUGH School Meals Take a moment to reimagine your school days, the clatter of plates or lunch boxes, the anticipation of what food awaited you. Now, imagine if that meal was the only one you'd have all day — or if you'd never experienced it at all. This is the reality for millions of children worldwide. Yet, amidst this disparity lies a powerful vision: a world where no child has to sit through class hungry. It's a future where every child is provided with a nutritious school meal daily, giving them the energy to thrive and succeed. We have ENOUGH. We believe every child should have access to at least one healthy and nutritious school meal every day. https://lnkd.in/dV3D6VMr

Many schools across England have begun using their own budgets to feed hungry children, new data from School Food Matters reveals. Four in 10 school leaders say their school is providing #FreeSchoolMeals to pupils who are not eligible. Schools are also delivering food banks and writing off school meal debts to help families. 📣 This burden should not be placed on cash-strapped schools. Ask your MP to support extending #FreeSchoolMeals with this letter https://lnkd.in/ewz-Fm7s #EatingBetter #FeedtheFuture #SayYes #SchoolFoodForAll #RightToFood #FoodJustice #SchoolFood #ChildHealth #FoodPolicy #CostOfLivingCrisis #SchoolFoodMatters #LevellingUp #SchoolFoodReview

The School Meal Gap Map highlights the inequity in access to universal school meals across the state. It shows that more than 320,000 children in nearly 660 schools are excluded from the far-reaching benefits of universal no-cost meals—reduced hunger, less stigma, improved learning, and financial relief for families amid skyrocketing prices at the grocery store. On Long Island, a family of four earning just over $56,000 a year—far below a living wage—is not eligible for free meals at many schools. Nearly half of the kids without access to universal free school meals —145,000 students—attend schools on Long Island. New York has made great strides in expanding access to free school meals, but without statewide universal meals, too many schools are left to operate means-tested programs that leave hungry children behind. New York can and must do better for its children. The only way to ensure equitable access to school meals is also the simplest solution: Feed all the kids. HWCLI is calling on state lawmakers to fully fund #Meals4AllNY in the state budget. View the map: bit.ly/HSMFANY-Map 

Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced two bills that would expand access to free or reduced-price meals for millions of American children. When children experience food insecurity, they face unique barriers that affect their ability to do well in school. The bills expand criteria for individual students to receive free or reduced-price school meals, lower the threshold required for districts to offer free school meals for all students, and increase reimbursements for schools to cover meal costs without compromising students’ access to meals. https://lnkd.in/eAzrgXDb