It’s Hard to Learn When You’re Hungry

According to Bread for the World (https://www.bread.org/article/how-to-address-disproportionate-hunger-rates-in-black-communities/), “more than 40 million Americans struggle to put food on the table. And Black households in the U.S. experience food insecurity at three times the rate of white households. Black children are also more likely to experience hunger than other children: While more than 1 in 5 U.S. children are at risk of hunger, the rate is 1 in 3 among Black children.”

On February 3, 2024, I went to visit Huntley Hills Elementary School, and was welcomed by Principal Dr. Mia Bradshaw. I was there to talk about my book Mommy, I Think I Have Diabetes, and how we can get it into the hands of families who need it most. I also wanted to support hungry children and my mother Gloria Cox and I were honored to donate to programs that provide breakfast and lunch at school for children who need it most.

An empty belly impacts young brothers and sisters, making it hard for them to learn. Studies show that children and students who go hungry often have worse academic performance, struggle with focus, and are more likely to be home sick. Hunger can lead to behavioral issues, decreased academic performance, and difficulty concentrating.

I was so excited to be invited to go back to Huntley Hills Elementary on February 12th to spend a little time with 4th and 5th graders, reading some excerpts from my book. Their teacher Ms. Walker orchestrated the event, and it was awesome. The kids were curious, smart, and super engaged in the story. I was joined by my Emmy-award winning friend Jasmine Guy, as well as Dr. Bradshaw, and Ms. Walker, the assistant principal.