![Second Graders Raise Awareness about Food Insecurity]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1607610381/galloway/g1zh3rk2o6cvkinwebci/fooddrive.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1607610381/galloway/g1zh3rk2o6cvkinwebci/fooddrive.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1607610381/galloway/g1zh3rk2o6cvkinwebci/fooddrive.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1607610381/galloway/g1zh3rk2o6cvkinwebci/fooddrive.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1607610381/galloway/g1zh3rk2o6cvkinwebci/fooddrive.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1607610381/galloway/g1zh3rk2o6cvkinwebci/fooddrive.jpg","width":1920}])
Due to the COVID pandemic, it is estimated that 1 in 8 Americans will experience food insecurity in 2020. This is a 60% increase in our nation’s previous rates.
Our second grade students are currently participating in a service-learning unit on hunger in America and are working to educate all EL students about food insecurity by conducting a food drive for Solidarity Sandy Springs. This local food pantry was established in response to the COVID crisis and serves families that are being overlooked and in need.
The founder of the organization and a Sandy Springs resident, Jennifer Barnes, talked with the students via Zoom. Barnes described a family of four who received food from the pantry on a wintry day - and none of them were wearing shoes.
The students asked thoughtful questions:
A second grader, “After the pandemic, will we still need a food pantry?”
Barnes, “Yes.”
A second grader, “Will the food pantry still need food after we deliver our collection?”
Barnes, “Yes.”
A member of the second grade added, “It was really amazing - what they are doing - how helpful they are for people who do not have enough money for food.”
Due to COVID restrictions, our students cannot visit other Galloway classrooms to educate students about food insecurity in Atlanta. Instead, they have made videos, like the ones below, for students to learn more.
Donations of food, toiletries, and household items are being collected in EL through December 15. CL students’ families can deliver donations on Monday, December 14, during CL Materials Pick-up.
The organization will continue to accept canned goods and non-perishable items through December 22, at drop-off boxes at multiple locations in The Prado. You can contact the organization at solidaritysandysprings.org; its address is in the former Publix location in The Prado, 5630 Roswell Road.
A wish list for Solidarity Sandy Springs is available here; their most pressing needs are:
- Canned fruit, especially pineapple, mandarin oranges, peaches and fruit cocktail; also small fruit cups and applesauce
- Juice boxes
- Laundry pods (NOT dishwasher) pods
- Full size bottle of shampoo and body wash; toothpaste, deodorant
- Baby formula
- Size 5 diapers
- Grape jelly
- Tuna fish
- Toilet paper