Searcy School District Steps Up Efforts to Combat Hunger Amidst Rising Inflation
SEARCY, Ark. – As families in Searcy continue to feel the impact of rising inflation, the local school district is doubling its efforts to provide meals for students in need. In a record-breaking initiative, the Searcy School District has seen a significant rise in the number of meals required over the summer break.
To meet this growing demand, food nutrition workers at the district have been hard at work, packing meals for the week ahead. Eva Boyles, Child Nutrition Manager for the Searcy School District, expressed the importance of having enough meals for every student, stating, It’s always better to have too much than not enough.
Boyles, who has been with the district for 28 years, acknowledged that there has always been a need for school-provided meals. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the urgency of the situation. This week alone, the district is packing 800 meals, a significant increase compared to the 300 or 400 meals provided in previous summers.
According to Boyles, this surge in demand is a stark reminder of the challenges families face due to the rising cost of groceries. It’s not just with groceries but with everything, Boyles explained. Families are just in a bind for food. They have to give somewhere. There’s just a need, and you know it, but you don’t realize until you work with it.
The emotional toll on the nutrition workers is evident as they strive to ensure that no child goes hungry during the summer break. Tara Roberson, another Child Nutrition Manager in the district, expressed her concern for the students when school is not in session. I worry about those kids when we aren’t in school, she said. Christmas break, Spring break, Summer break. I worry because you know that there are kids that come to school, and that’s the only meals that they probably get that day.
The Searcy School District recognizes the importance of this initiative and has been awarded an extra grant from the state to help cover the cost of the additional meals. The district believes that as educators, they cannot let this important issue go unnoticed.
The usually quiet campus now bustles with activity as workers dedicate extra time and effort to ensure every child receives a meal. The smiles on the students’ faces and the appreciation they express make it all worthwhile for the dedicated staff members. Oh, it’s not work when you see the smiles on their faces, and the appreciation. It’s not work. This is what we’re here for, Boyles added.
The Searcy School District’s commitment to addressing food insecurity during the summer break is commendable. With the ever-increasing costs of living, providing meals for students in need can make a significant difference in the lives of families struggling to put food on the table.
The district’s proactive approach to securing additional funding highlights their dedication to combating hunger and supporting their community. By acknowledging the growing problem of food insecurity and taking action to address it, the Searcy School District sets an example that other institutions can follow.
While the rise in inflation has placed many families in difficult situations, the Searcy School District serves as a beacon of hope for those in need. The efforts made by the dedicated nutrition workers not only alleviate hunger but also emphasize the importance of community support during challenging times.
As the district continues to witness the increasing demand for student-provided meals, their commitment to ensuring that no child goes hungry is unwavering. With the ongoing support of grants and the dedication of their staff, the Searcy School District is making a positive impact on the lives of countless students and their families in the fight against hunger.
