The school year is already upon us and the lazy, hazy days of summer vacation are already starting to fade away. The idea of back to school shopping elicits excitement for many, but for others, having to return to school is a financial burden that many families can’t seem to afford.
Approximately 15 million kids across the US can’t afford to eat or to return to school with proper supplies, according to reporting by CNN. This is a growing epidemic and also a financial strain on teachers.
Minnesota English teacher, Deana Venturi, spends between $1,000- $1,500 of her own money on school supplies for the year because 90% of her students live in poverty. And, Deana is not alone. According to a National Center for Education Statistics survey published in 2018, 94% of teachers are paying for things out of their own pockets.
We have learned about two organizations, Blessings in a Backpack and Kids in Need Foundation that are fighting to improve these statistics.
Blessings in a Backpack strives to make sure the weekend hunger that often plagues kids is addressed by giving them a backpack filled with non-perishable food items.
Kids in Need Foundation has been trying to solve the supply problem by providing resource centers throughout the country for teachers. Executive director Dave Smith explains that the goal is to reach 10,000 students every year. A $25 donation provides the necessities of a backpack and 20 items to get these kids started.
Children going hungry and not having proper school supplies affects every community across the country, but it’s great to learn that there are organizations working to help end the cycle.
If community and outreach is a part of your personal or company identity, you can find out how you may be able to get involved with an organization like Kids in Needs Foundation or Blessings in a Backpack.
Standing out as a leader in your community for positive causes is one way you can differentiate yourself from the competition and help you to get your local community involved in change.