the children's hunger project

TacklingHunger in Brevard.

How Much Do You Know About Hungry Children in Brevard County?Fill in the blanks using the list of answers shown at the bottom of this page. (Answers on page 12)

1. ____ of students participate in the free and reduced-price lunch program

2. ____ or more of students at some schools are on the lunch program

3. ____ of families in Brevard County living below the poverty level *

4. ____ of families make this choice: food or paying utilities *

5. ____ of families have children skip meals - not enough money for food *

6. ____ of families make this choice: food or paying rent / mortgage *

7. The Children’s Hunger Project provides kid-friendly food for hungry children on Fridays during the school year that is ________

8. Poor nutrition leads to ________

9. A well-nourished child will show marked improvement in ________

10. Cost to The Children’s Hunger Project for a package of food for one child each weekend for the entire 38-week school year is ________

* Second Harvest Food Bank client data

(a) 11%

(b) One hundred and fifty dollars

(c) 11%

(d) Lightweight and easy for kids to handle since no cooking is required

(e) School attendance, better test scores, improved reading skills, positive behavior

(f ) Approximately 50%

(g) A weaker immune system, difficulty in learning and paying attention in class

(h) 49%

(i) 55%

(j) 80%If you can’t feed a hundred people, feed just one.

~ Mother Teresa

Mission

To restore hope, and to nurture the minds and hearts of the hungry children of Brevard county by providing them with food assistance in a dignified and respectful manner and thus giving them a reason to believe.

In many ways, America is the land of plenty. But for many Americans, hunger is a reality.

Many people believe that the problems associated with hunger are confined to small pockets of society, certain areas of the country, or certain neighborhoods, but the reality is much different.

We all know and are in contact with people affected by hunger, even though we might not be aware of it. These are often hard-working adults, children and seniors who simply cannot make ends meet and are forced to go without food for several meals, or even days.

Most of us simply have no idea.

It’s time to educate ourselves about the causes of hunger in America, especially with our young kids.

3W W W . T H E C H I L D R E N S H U N G E R P R O J E C T . O R G

I went to bed hungry many nights as a child. It was a Dream that dressed me up when I was ragged, and it was a Dream that filled me up when I was hungry. Now it’s my Dream to see that no child in this world ever goes hungry, certainly not here in America,

the most bountiful country in the world. We can do better...we must!

~ Dolly Parton

4 W W W . T H E C H I L D R E N S H U N G E R P R O J E C T . O R G

Why do we need The Children’s Hunger Project?n 17% = Kids in the United States on the free and reduced-price lunch program

n 50% = Kids in Brevard County on the free and reduced-price lunch program

n 80% = Kids (or more) on the free and reduced-price lunch program at many schools

n The free and reduced-price lunch program is the key indicator of hunger and poverty in a geographic area 4 The percentage of kids on the free and reduced-price lunch program correlates

to the level of hunger, malnutrition and poverty in the school’s geographic area

n Poor nutrition leads to inability to absorb knowledge and pay attention in class 4 Not absorbing knowledge or paying attention in class leads to poor grades 4 Poor grades lead to lowered self-esteem 4 Lowered self-esteem leads to more likelihood of joining a gang 4 Joining a gang leads to more likelihood of committing a crime 4 Committing a crime leads to more likelihood of landing in jail 4 The problem does not start when a kid is a teenager…it starts much earlier

n The basic goal of our program is to help insure that a child grows up to be possibly a doctor, nurse or other medical practitioner that will save a life as opposed to a criminal that will take a life.

Would you like to receive The Children’s Hunger Project monthly newsletter? Simply send your e-mail address to [email protected]

He looked forward to Friday because he knew the package would be on his desk sometime during the day. He felt special to receive it and liked all the food items in the package.

~ Joanne Melville Westside Elementary School Guidance


Who is The Children’s Hunger Project?

Overview

The Children’s Hunger Project is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt nonprofit charity that receives its funding from a variety of sources. These include corporate and individual donations of money, grants, and food donations appropriate for our efforts.

Our program is designed to allow The Children’s Hunger Project to move forward in a manner that is Professional, Proficient and, most of all, “Profitable”.

“Profitable” in the sense that money is being raised in the community so that hungry children will have the burden of weekend hunger lifted during their early school years.

A personal credo has been embraced by all that participate in the endeavor:

“What we ardently believe in, what we joyfully and willfully pursue, will, inevitably, happen”

As a people, we value family, education and success. Hunger is an enemy to all three. Scientific studies have demonstrated that even brief periods of hunger can permanently inhibit a child’s mental, emotional and physical growth. Kids who are hungry do poorly in school and are unlikely to grow into

productive adults. For families, experiencing hunger means living in a world of isolation and shame. Caring citizens must put an end to this disgrace.

~ Ted Danson

RESEARCH:Feeding America35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 2000 Chicago, IL 60601

Food Research and Action Center1875 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 540Washington, DC 20009

NUTRITION SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE:Mr. Kevin ThorntonDirectorOffice of Food and Nutrition ServicesBrevard Public Schools 2700 Judge Fran Jameson WayViera, FL 32940


Objective

The Children’s Hunger Project seeks to eliminate the growing problem of weekend hunger for children.

Success factors include:

n Establishment of a core group of executives

n Charity run in a business-like manner

n Transparent financial oversight

n Management under the guidance of a respected Board of Directors and Advisory Board

n Establishment of businesslike procedures for every phase of our operation

n Proper scheduling and efficiency of staff and quick reaction to the children’s circumstances

n Provide training and motivation of volunteers

IMPLEMENTATION

Every Friday, kids who we can afford to help get food to carry home in their backpack.

Food items include, for example, ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs, milk, juice, applesauce, cereal and other similar food items.

This type of food is kid-friendly, lightweight, and easy for the kids to handle since no cooking is required.

Even if the power is out the kids can still pull the top of the can and eat Beanie Weenies.

On Monday, the kids return to school but with a better and healthier foundation for learning.

Then the cycle begins again the next Friday.

At least on weekends, “our” kids have basic nutrition.


The recipients of the Hunger Project at Palm Bay Elementary look forward to Fridays when they get their care package to take home!! You guys have been great and we appreciate it!

~ Amy Schultz

Hunger / Children

Brevard County has more than 73,000 students. On average, almost 50% of these students are eligible for the free and reduced-price lunch program available at their public school. Some individual schools have in excess of 80% of their students eligible for the program.

For some students, lunch on Friday is the last regular meal they receive until the following Monday.

Teachers and school administrators, those on the front line of caring for children while they are away from their parents during the week, know firsthand of this problem. The teachers know as they wave goodbye on Fridays which students will not have a proper meal until Monday. They know which students will arrive Monday morning ill-prepared to learn properly.

No child in our country should go two days without proper food and nutrition. The fault lies in many places but not, however, with the child.

The Children’s Hunger Project has recognized the problem and seeks your help.

We look with horror at pictures coming from other countries in which children are hungry. We generously give to charities feeding children in those countries. It is time, though, that we address childhood hunger in our own back yard.


The recipients of the Hunger Project at Palm Bay Elementary look forward to Fridays when they get their care package to take home!! You guys have been great and we appreciate it!

~ Amy Schultz

Daily Efforts

The concept of addressing the hunger needs of children is not new or unique. Business practices and charitable efforts that have proven effective in other markets are being duplicated or improved.

Added to The Children’s Hunger Project “mission” is a strong volunteer team with an emphasis on being organized and well run.

Appropriate financial and legal safeguards combined with sophisticated business practices ensure the success of relieving kid’s hunger.

The initial strength of the Board of Directors and Community Advisory Board is a willingness to do what it takes to accomplish the goals of the charity combining eagerness, effort and proficient day-to-day business management.

The Children’s Hunger Project guidance team is comprised of people whose backgrounds include management, start-ups, training and motivating people, promotional achievements, profitability and, most of all, their willingness to give something back to their community.

CONCLUSION

The time is right to address the growing problem of childhood hunger.

By addressing this problem, The Children’s Hunger Project is responsible for positive educational results in the children including:

n Improvement in school attendance

n Better test scores

n Improved reading skills

n Positive behavior

n Improved health

n Greater parent participation

Kids are also hungry on the weekends. Food is the foundation for school success.

Hungry people cannot be good at learning or producing anything, except perhaps violence.

~ Pearl Bailey


Schools Provide Breakfast & Lunch However, many children eligible for free lunch at school go hungry on the weekends.

The Children’s Hunger Project solves the weekend hunger issue for elementary school kids. Kids return to school Monday with a better and healthier foundation for learning. Then, the process begins again on Friday.

Free & Reduced Lunch: Here & Nationally

Approximately 50% of Brevard County Students participate in the free and reduced-price lunch program.

Some elementary schools in Brevard County have the majority of their students on the free and reduced-price lunch program.

National average of students participating is 17%.

What’s in a Backpack?

Spaghetti and Meatballs, Milk, Juice, Applesauce, Cereal and other similar food items that are kid-friendly, lightweight and no cooking required.


The existing body of research shows a clear threat to the intellectual development of children who do not receive adequate nutrition…It is now known that from the moment of conception onward, inadequate nutrition threatens the behavioral and cognitive development of young children.

~ Dr. J. Larry Brown, Former Director Center on Hunger, Poverty and Nutrition Policy Tufts University School of Nutrition


Why The School Lunch Program In Brevard Schools Is ImportantThe National School Lunch Program makes it possible for all schoolchildren in the United States to receive a nutritious lunch each school day.

Research shows that when a child’s nutritional needs are met, the child is more attentive in class, and has better attendance and fewer disciplinary problems.

The National School Lunch Program meets the nutritional needs of children by providing a nutritionally balanced meal that contains one third or more of the nutrients they need each day.

The National School Lunch Program offers parents a convenient way to provide a nutritious lunch for their children at the lowest possible price.

Eligibility

Any child at a participating school may purchase a meal through the National School Lunch Program.

Household income determines if a child is eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals, or must pay most of the cost.

No nation is any healthier than its children. The well-nourished schoolchild is a better student. He is healthier and more alert. He is developing good food habits that will benefit him for the rest of his life.

In short, he is a better asset for his country in every way.

~ President Harry S. Truman (Upon signing the National School Lunch Act into law)

Correct Answers: 1-f • 2-j • 3-a • 4-i • 5-c • 6-h • 7-d • 8-g • 9-e • 10-b


Tuft’s University StudyIn 1995, a study was published by Tuft’s University titled “The Link between Nutrition and Cognitive Development in Children” with the purpose of broadening public awareness about the known relationship between nutrition and cognitive development and to enable policy makers to incorporate this knowledge into public policies which protect our childrens’ interests.

The study determined a direct link between diet and nutrition and cognitive development in children. Should a child be undernourished, they were at a much greater risk of educational failure. Impoverished children without the means to maintain a proper diet were especially susceptible to impaired cognitive development resulting in an array of preventable challenges later in life.

Undernourishment in children often leads to problems such as fatigue, disinterest in learning and social development, and an increased risk of illness leading to time away from school. All of these factors culminate in missed opportunities and a loss of societal contributions from childhood onward through adulthood.

Fortunately, the study also indicated “improvements in environment to nutrition can rectify the developmental effects to which a young child is exposed.” Simply, swift action can help prevent and remedy the negative consequences of undernourishment.

Percentage of Students Participating in the FREE & Reduced-Price Lunch Program: 2012 - 2013

Andersen Elementary 43.82%

Apollo Elementary 63.06%

Atlantis Elementary 53.60%

Audubon Elementary 37.55%

Cambridge Elementary 93.23%

Cape View Elementary 66.67%

Carroll Elementary 33.54%

Challenger 7 Elementary 57.17%

Columbia Elementary 79.94%

Coquina Elementary 75.14%

Creel Elementary 70.88%

Croton Elementary 58.97%

Discovery Elementary 73.35%

Endeavour Elementary 95.56%

Enterprise Elementary 46.22%

Fairglen Elementary 70.39%

Freedom 7 Elementary 7.65%

Gardendale Elementary 55.58%

Gemini Elementary 16.36%

Golfview Elementary 80.77%

Harbor City Elementary 73.24%

Holland Elementary 30.69%

Imagine Schools @ W. Melbourne 83.18%

Imperial Estates Elementary 53.64%

Indialantic Elementary 17.07%

Jupiter Elementary 75.12%

Lockmar Elementary 47.79%

Longleaf Elementary 15.63%

Manatee Elementary 11.93%

McAuliffe Elementary 70.93%

Meadowlane Inter. Elementary 38.50%

Meadowlane Primary Elementary 35.85%

Mila Elementary 72.90%

Mims Elementary 69.92%

Oak Park Elementary 58.98%

Ocean Breeze Elementary 38.78%

Palm Bay Elementary 82.50%

Pinewood Elementary 67.47%

Port Malabar Elementary 66.71%

Quest Elementary 18.65%

Riviera Elementary 83.40%

Roosevelt Elementary 36.78%

Roy Allen Elementary 63.14%

Sabal Elementary 62.23%

Saturn Elementary 79.34%

Sea Park Elementary 37.40%

Sherwood Elementary 47.64%

South Lake Elementary 89.09%

Stevenson Elementary 14.70%

Sunrise Elementary 56.64%

Suntree Elementary 17.46%

Surfside Elementary 22.89%

Tropical Elementary 34.63%

Turner Elementary 79.30%

University Park Elementary 84.82%

W. Melbourne Elementary 19.66%

Westside Elementary 60.29%

Williams Elementary 27.26%


“There is much to be done, there is much that can be done… As long as one child is hungry, our lives will be filled with anguish and shame…”

~ Elie Wiesel

The Children’s Hunger Project has Twenty-Six Brevard County Elementary Schools On Our Program

Palm Bay• Colombia • Discovery • Jupiter • Lockmar • McAuliffe • Palm Bay • Port Malbar • Riviera • Turner • Westside

Melbourne• Croton • Roy Allen • Sabal • University Park

Merritt Island• Audubon • Mila

Cocoa• Cambridge • Emma Jewel • Endeavour • Fairglen

Rockledge• Golfview

Mims• Pinewood

Beachside• Ocean Breeze • Sea Park • Surfside • Holland

Board of Directors n David Cohen – David is Senior Vice President of the industry’s premier wealth management

firm and provides us with advice in the area of finance and business. With a daughter and son, he still finds time to participate in numerous community and charitable organizations.

n Samuel Jordan – Sam is a father, show promoter, and community activist. He provides a business background that includes promotions in the entertainment industry. His business success is combined with community involvement and charitable work.

n Andy Ziegler – Andy is a prominent member of the Brevard School Board and an early supporter of our efforts. He has been behind the scenes making sure I speak with the right people at the school district and developing plans that benefit our kids.

n Delores Spearman – Delores, an FSU grad, board member of over a dozen non-profits and active in her church, brings a wealth of community activity experience to help our kids. As an Executive Committee member of Project Hunger, Delores has an intimate knowledge regarding hunger and malnutrition in Brevard County.

n Karen M. Montas-Coleman – Karen, one of the area’s best personal injury attorneys, has spent years in the forefront of charitable causes, including Junior League of South Brevard. Her support of other charities that address children’s needs combined with being a mother of two will enable Karen to provide valuable insight to our charity.

n Larry Ciaccia – Larry, CEO of AuthenTec until its recent sale to Apple, is directing his efforts to help our kids. With a MBA from FIT to go along with his engineering degree, Larry’s business and technical background provide the right mindset for our efforts. Larry is a father of two and long time resident of Brevard County.

n Malak Hammad – Malak, described in a professional magazine as “confident, intelligent and a vivacious professional woman”, is Vice-President with PNC Bank. She has been a banker for over 20 years and the recipient of numerous “Women of Achievement” awards. Malak brings keen business awareness qualities to our Board.

n Stephanie Franklin – Stephanie is Director of Membership for the Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida and is involved with numerous charities in Brevard County. Stephanie brings her passion for the disadvantaged, especially young kids, to our organization.

n Robert Barnes – Bob is a retired broadcaster and marketing specialist. He brings a business background plus organizational and management skills to oversee the operation on a daily basis and implement its mission statement and goals.


Community Advisory Board n Jean-Yves Clerc – Before retiring, JY was one of the biggest home builders in Brevard County.

He brings a business background that includes ownership in the auto and financial industry.

His business success is combined with a number of different charitable endeavors.

n Sarah Anthony – Sarah is our charity’s Assistant Director. She is a Past-President of the GFWC

Viera Woman’s Club and a member of several other service organizations. Sarah brings her

experiences as a military spouse, mother, and community volunteer.

n Phyllis Rhinehart – Phyllis and husband, Dick, are long-term members of Riviera United

Church of Christ and early supporters of our kids. All our volunteer efforts are guided by Phyllis.

Phyllis and Dick also serve other charities including Back Bay Mission and Daily Bread.

n Lorraine Jones – Lorraine has been in advertising with several print medium for a quarter

century. With her business and personal contacts, Lorraine has been a key element in helping

us expand. The hungry kids of Brevard County are already benefiting from her expertise.

n Jeff Salter – Jeff served in the USAF for over 25 years and is now a Vice President of a National

Small Business as well as CEO of his own company. Having graduated from our nation’s “free

lunch program” and witnessing children all over the world go hungry, Jeff has a deep and

personal passion for “seeing an hungry child, and feeding a hungry child”

n Stephen Lacey – Steve is our legal backbone as a partner with McClelland Jones LLC in

Melbourne and is well-known for his community and charitable efforts. Steve brings his

perspective for children as a father of three.

n Robert Johnson – Robert is a Missionary, President of the South Brevard NAACP, and an

advocate for those less fortunate. His experience is with children at risk, homeless, the elderly

and dysfunctional families.

n Sean Phelan – Sean’s company, Sequoia Consulting, provides the website and Facebook page

for us. As a father and business owner, Sean is active in the religious and civic arenas, will all

benefiting from his expertise. Our web presence is his gift to our kids.

n Andy Anderson – Andy, father of three, brings a County Commissioner’s perspective to the

problems we address. As founder of Coats for Kids, Andy knows how to run an efficient charity.

A local resident for 23 years, Andy brings a personal knowledge of charitable and church work.

n Christine Canavan – Chrissy is owner of A Granddaughter’s Promise, a company providing

elder care advice to families. She brings a unique perspective of mother, entrepreneur, and

family support specialist to the mix. Her business success is matched by her personal, church,

and charitable work.

n Javier Molinares – Javier is a loving father that brings experience as publisher of Al Dia Today,

the bi-lingual newspaper. He has organized Hispanic/American medical and business groups.

As a leader in the Hispanic community, Javier understands the problem of children being

hungry on weekends.

n Susan Hammerling – Susan is a Satellite High graduate. With her masters degree and 13 years

of experience, her professional life centers around her specialty of general and cosmetic

dermatology. Susan brings her experience to us as a mother and as a member of numerous

other charitable organizations.


How Can Hungry Children Be Overweight?Imagine a caregiver who has limited resources for their family’s monthly groceries. Their highest priority is to select foods that stretch food dollars and will keep their children satisfied.

Typically, the least expensive foods are those low in nutrients and high in calories.

The link between food insecurity and obesity is complex. Researchers have determined there are common factors related to those who experience hunger and increased weight:

n Disrupted meal patterns n Family stress n Lack of access to healthy foods

For more details on the paradox between hunger and obesity, please go to page 26.

How Does Food Insecurity Affect Children?Health & Developmental Issues

Children who are food insecure are more likely to have iron deficiency, asthma, delayed cognitive development, increased stomach aches, headaches, colds and increased fatigue. Additionally, overweight children are more likely to experience chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Poor Academic Performance

Hungry children tend to have lower math scores and have difficulty concentrating. They are also more likely to repeat a grade level.

Behavioral Problems

Irritability, difficulty getting along with others and school suspensions are some of the behavior related problems experienced by hungry students.

Children from families that are financially insecure tend to overeat when food is available. When food is provided at school, teachers see increased food consumption by children who are at risk of hunger. Some of these children stuff their pockets with snacks and even milk cartons because they don’t know when they will have their next meal.


How You Can Help…This is what’s necessary:

Share what you learned reading this. Speak with your congregation, your co-workers, your friends.

This is what’s possible:

Have us speak to your congregation, civic group or company. We will show you how to adopt the school closest to you. Have your own private packing event.

Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

~ Francis of Assisi


Donation Food List – 2013-2014

n Cereal – Kellogg’s Brand Handi-Pak or Fun-Pak THIS BRAND IS IMPORTANT DUE TO SIZE OF CONTAINER • Comes in 8-packs

n Vienna Sausage ONLY WITH PULL TOP LIDS • Various varieties in 4.75-ounce cans

n Pasta Items ONLY WITH PULL TOP LIDS • Various varieties in 7-ounce cans: Beef Ravioli, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Spaghetti O’s

n Juice – Various Flavors ONLY 100% JUICE • 4.23-ounce carton • Comes in 8-packs of shelf stable cartons

n Chocolate Milk 2% • Comes in 3-packs of shelf stable cartons

n Applesauce NO ADDED SUGAR PREFERRED • Comes in 6-packs

n Raisins • Comes in 6-packs

IMPORTANT:Canned items must have pull-top ring so that no can opener is needed. Prior to donation, please do not store food in your car. Heat will affect the quality and safety of the food.

Food can be dropped off at our Melbourne location during hours in which we will be packing food. If it is a large amount that cannot wait until our next packing session, we will make special arrangements for someone to meet you at our location when the food is delivered.


Barriers to Learning in Brevard County

Silent Hunger

A common misconception is that if someone is hungry that means they don’t have a job and are living on the streets. What most people don’t understand is that anyone can experience hunger. It’s a silent epidemic.

Hunger Doesn’t Take a Break on Weekends

Weekends are often periods of hunger and malnutrition for large numbers of children who participate in a school meal program. Approximately 50% of all public school students in Brevard County are on the free and reduced-price lunch program. In some schools, over 80% of the children participate in the program with many at risk of hunger and malnutrition.

Risk of Hunger

The free and reduced-price meal program is used by our government and major charities as the key indicator of hunger risk and poverty in a geographic area. In almost all cases, there is a corresponding level of poverty and risk of hunger in an area when compared to the number of students participating in the free and reduced-price meal program.

To think that one child would go to bed hungry somewhere in this country is heartbreaking...to know how many do is virtually incomprehensible.

This is not only a problem that exists in the far reaches of the globe. It happens right here in our own backyard.

Together, as concerned citizens, we must do more to make sure every child’s needs are met.

~ Katie Couric


The Children’s Hunger Project along with Health First & United Way: Making a Difference

Principles for feeding our kids:n We will feed a thousand children if we can. If not, we will feed a hundred.

If we cannot feed a hundred, we will feed one.

n The interests of the children will always come first.

n Integrity is the foundation of our efforts.

n We take great pride in the professional quality of the work we will do for our children.

n We have an uncompromising determination to achieve excellence as determined by the number of children we will help to avoid hunger.

n We are open to suggestions and will constantly strive to find a better solution to the ongoing problem of childhood hunger and malnutrition.

n We will make unusual efforts to identify and recruit volunteers that are the very best for each job.

n We will be a team. We will stress teamwork in everything we do.

n We will constantly strive to anticipate and address the changing needs of the children we serve.

n The dedication of our people will be self-evident in the results we will accomplish.

n Our assets are the people who volunteer their time and our collective reputations.

n Our goal is to feed every elementary school age child on the weekends.


I am writing to express heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous success of Riviera’s Backpack Program. Since last May, when you and your team initiated our weekend project, we have been able to distribute flats of food each Friday to our students and their families. We know the project reached our neediest families,

and we know they have appreciated the opportunity to benefit from the generosity extended by so many business and community members.

~ Linda Piccolella, Principal, Riviera Elementary School


Hunger ResearchIn 1995 a Tufts University study was published titled The Link between Nutrition and Cognitive Development in Children. The purpose was to broaden public awareness about the known relationship between nutrition and cognitive development, and to enable policymakers to incorporate this knowledge into public policies which protect vulnerable youngsters.

The introduction to the study’s report was written by Dr. Ernesto Pollitt who was the professor of pediatrics at the University of California, Davis. According to Dr. Pollitt, “We have now learned that even moderate undernutrition, the type seen most frequently in the United States, can have lasting effects on the cognitive development of children. Inadequate nutrition is a major cause of impaired cognitive development, and is associated with increased educational failure among impoverished children.” Research findings, according to Dr. Pollitt, “…give us a much clearer understanding of how children are harmed by undernutrition, and how we can help them. The challenge now is to incorporate this new knowledge into programs and policies which improve the nutritional status and cognitive development of our most vulnerable youngsters”.

Dr. J. Larry Brown was director of the Center on Hunger, Poverty and Nutrition Policy at the Tufts University School of Nutrition at the time of the study. Dr. Brown pointed out that the existing body of research showed a clear threat to the intellectual devel-opment of children who did not receive adequate nutrition. According to Dr. Brown, “It is now known that from the moment of conception onward, inadequate nutrition threatens the behavioral and cognitive development of young children. Not surprisingly, children who suffer from inadequate nutrition also typically suffer from a range of other environmental insults associated with poverty. Poor housing, inadequate healthcare, unemployment and weakened family and community support systems all interact with undernutrition to impede the child’s healthy development.”

The study’s outline of results was informative but disturbing. “New findings about child nutrition and cognitive development indicate that undernourished children are typically fatigued and uninterested in their social developments. Such children are less likely to establish relationships or to explore and learn from their surroundings. Undernourished children are also more susceptible to illness and, thus, more likely to be absent from school. These factors result in the loss of opportunities for undernourished children and the loss of contributions to society. An overview of research reveals that children in the United States suffer a mild to moderate degree of malnourishment associated with poverty. A combination of environmental insults and undernutrition has been shown to result in growth retardation and developmental delays.”

On January 8, 1964, in his first State of the Union speech, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a “War on Poverty” (a situation in which families or individuals are considered to be lacking the resources to meet the basic needs for healthy living; having insufficient


income to provide the food, shelter and clothing needed to preserve health). The idea was to reduce rates of poverty and improve living standards. However, Americans have allowed poverty to fall off the national agenda with the poverty rate remaining steady since the 1970s.

The Children’s Hunger Project program is specifically aimed at elementary school students who are experiencing critical periods of growth and development. Research conducted by the Center on Hunger and Poverty at Brandeis University indicates that even mild under-nutrition may lead to reductions in physical growth and impaired brain function. Children who experience hunger have higher levels of chronic illness, anxiety, depression and behavioral problems.

In the April, 2006 issue of The Journal of Nutrition of the American Society for Nutrition, a study was discussed in which it stated that household food insecurity is associated with multiple adverse outcomes in children and adolescents, including poor school performance and academic delays, poor social functioning and behavior problems.

The lack of adequate nutrition affects the cognitive and behavioral development of children. Child development is the manner in which children attain skills in memory, cognition, language, motor ability, social interaction, behavior and perception. Food insecure low income households are more likely to experience irritability, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating compared to other children. Research has shown that food insecurity was associated with grade repetition, absenteeism, tardiness, anxiety, aggression, poor mathematics scores, psychosocial dysfunction and difficulty with social interaction among 6 to 12 year old children. Food insecurity has also shown to be associated with suicide and depressive disorders among 15 to 16 year old children after controlling for income and other factors.

In December, 2009 Craig Gundersen, Brent Kreider and John Pepper published a working paper, The Impact of the National School Lunch Program on Child Health, in which it was noted that children receiving free or reduced-price school lunches through the national school lunch program (NSLP) often have worse health outcomes on average than observationally similar children who do not participate, especially in the case of food insecurity. They further concluded that NSLP reduces poor health, reduces food insecurity, and reduces obesity.

In the November, 2010 issue of Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, an article Food Insecurity: Could School Food Supplementation Help Break Cycles of Intergenerational Transmission of Social Inequalities? showed that household food insecurity, which was linked to the indicators of family socioeconomic status, was strongly associated with the indicators of scholastic difficulties. This association disappeared for adolescents who benefited from food supplementation programs in schools in disadvantaged neighborhoods.


Hungry & Overweight: How is It Possible?

Obesity-Poverty Relationship

While overweight and obesity impact both genders and all racial-ethnic and age groups, research shows that those of low-income or low socioeconomic status – particularly children and women – may be at even greater risk.

The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) observes that for children living with even modest levels of food insecurity, the impact on their health, cognitive abilities, and development can be severe. Their research confirms the “hunger-obesity paradox”, the apparent incongruity of people being simultaneously food insecure and over-weight. Yet hunger, food insecurity, and food hardship are gradations of the same phenomenon in which individuals that cannot afford sufficient nutritious food, fill up on energy-dense but nutrient-poor food, and often suffer from cycles of plenty/want/plenty based on the timing of their income streams. FRAC researchers confirm that these patterns often lead to higher incidences of overweight and obesity. It is becoming clear that the apparently contradictory phenomena of hunger and obesity are flip sides of the same coin; a food system in which filling but fattening foods are inexpensive, and nutritious foods are beyond the reach of many.

Why Low-Income and Food Insecure People are Vulnerable to Overweight and Obesity

Limited resources and lack of access to healthy, affordable foods. Low-income neighborhoods frequently lack full-service grocery stores and farmers’ markets where residents can buy a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products while at the same time these communities have greater availability of fast food restaurants, especially near schools. When available, healthy food is often more expensive, whereas refined grains, added sugars, and fats are generally inexpensive and readily available in low-income communities.

Fewer opportunities for physical activity. Lower income neighborhoods have fewer physical activity resources than higher income neighborhoods, including fewer parks, green spaces, bike paths, and recreational facilities, making it difficult to lead a physically active lifestyle. Limited access to such resources is a risk factor for obesity.

Crime, traffic, and unsafe playground equipment are common barriers to physical activity in low-income communities. Because of these and other safety concerns, children and adults are more likely to stay indoors and engage in sedentary activities, such as watching television or playing video games.


Cycles of food deprivation and overeating. People who eat less or skip meals to stretch food budgets may overeat when food does become available, resulting in chronic ups and downs in food intake that can contribute to weight gain.

High levels of stress. Low-income families, including children, may face high levels of stress due to the financial and emotional pressures of food insecurity, low-wage work, lack of access to health care, inadequate and long-distance transportation, poor housing, and neighborhood violence.

Greater exposure to obesity-related marketing. Low-income youth and adults are exposed to disproportionately more marketing and advertising for obesity-promoting products that encourage the consumption of unhealthful foods and discourage physical activity.

I want to check in with you first to say thank you for all you do in helping our students here at Turner elementary. Your efforts have made all the difference in so many families’ lives. Knowing there is food for the children puts many parents’ fears to rest especially towards the end of the month when finances and commodities are running short.

I just want you to know how much you are appreciated.

~ Jo Ann Russell LCSW, LMT School Social Worker J. F. Turner Elementary School


The Implications Of Food Insecurity For Children

Paraphrased from Feeding America Research

A critical component to a healthy life is nutrition. From birth, the intake of vital nutrients is essential to the growth and development of a healthy individual. Good nutrition, particularly in the first three years of life, is important in establishing and maintaining a good foundation that has implications on a child’s future physical and mental health, academic achievement, and economic productivity.

Food insecurity is an obstacle that threatens that critical foundation.

Too many of our children live in a household with food insecurity, which means they do not always know where they will find their next meal.

Inadequate nutrition or food insecurity has adverse effects on:

Physical Health. Insufficient nutrition puts children at risk for illness and weakens their immune system. The immature immune systems of young children ages 0 – 5, make them especially vulnerable to nutritional deprivation and as a result, the ability to learn, grow, and fight infections is adversely affected. Without the proper nutritional intake children are at risk for poor health and hospitalization. Research reveals, in comparison to food secure children, children from food insecure families are 90 percent more likely to be in fair or poor health and have 30 percent higher rates of hospitalization.

Behavior and Mental Health. The lack of adequate nutrition affects the cognitive and behavioral development of children. Child development is the manner in which children attain skills in memory, cognition, language, motor ability, social interaction, behavior, and perception. Children in food insecure low-income households are more likely to experience irritability, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating compared to other children. Food insecurity is associated with grade repetition, absenteeism, tardiness, anxiety, aggression, poor mathematics scores, psychosocial dysfunction and difficulty with social interaction.

School Readiness and Achievement. Children from food insecure households are likely to be behind in their academic development compared to other children, which ultimately makes it difficult for them to reach the same level of development as their fellow food secure peers. Food insecurity impairs academic development of young school-age children. Mathematical and reading skills of food insecure children entering kindergarten developed significantly more slowly than other children.


Here is how our program works:

Each Friday, kids who we can afford to help get food to carry home in their backpack. Food items include, for example, ravioli, Vienna sausage, milk,

juice, applesauce, raisins, cereal and other similar food items.

This food is kid-friendly meaning it is lightweight and easy for the kids to handle since no cooking is required. On Monday the kids return to school with a better and

healthier foundation for learning. Then the cycle begins again the next Friday.

At least on weekends, “our” kids have basic nutrition.

Schools provide a free breakfast plus a healthy lunch. However, many children who are eligible for a free lunch at school are going hungry on weekends.

The Children’s Hunger Project addresses the issue of malnutrition and weekend hunger with food packages. These food packages provide the foundation

for learning and proper cognitive development of the brain.

Learn more at: thechildrenshungerproject.org

Almost 50% of Brevard County students participate in the free and

reduced-price lunch program at school!

The National average is 17%!

Some local elementary schools have more than 80% of their kids on the program with many at risk of hunger and malnutrition.


Did you even know that kids go hungry on weekends in our own back yard?

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Donation Options:

US $15,000.00 Feed 100 children for the entire school year US $1,500.00 Feed 10 children for the entire school year US $150.00 Feed 1 child for the entire school year Other Contribution Amount Payment Options:

Check Credit Card Donate online at thechildrenshungerproject.org

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The Children’s Hunger Project 2087 Sarno Road Melbourne, FL 32935


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