2 years ago
ShareAccording to the School Nutrition Association, nearly 80% of schools surveyed report an increase in the number of free lunches served each year. The Little Rock School District is battling the same problem.
Teaching doesn't always start in the classroom. For some, it's in the cafeteria.
"If you're hungry, you can't focus on doing your work," says Ramona Geurin, Bale Elementary literacy coach.
Geurin says most of the student's families can't afford to pay for school lunch.
"A lot of parents can't and they do the best they can," says Geurin.
Eighty five percent of children at Bale are on free or reduced lunch. Geurin fears the slow economy will force more parents to apply.
The Little Rock School District has 65% of students on free or reduced lunches. That's 1% higher from last year and the highest it's been in years.
The district has several programs to help out these kids and families. Fourteen years ago, Bale Elementary and UALR Children International started an after-school program. Twice a week, coordinators give students snacks and offer activities like gospel music and martial arts.
"They are extracurricular classes that students on free and reduced lunch are not going to be able to purchase," says Geurin.
Since schools often find low-income students have lower test scores, this program also offers free tutoring. Coordinators say within the last year, it's helped raise test scores by 15%. And that's not all.
"Our students get coats and no child will be cold or stand at the bus stop cold," says Geurin.
At parent-teacher conferences, parents get food vouchers and uniforms. Educators say this is addressing the needs of the "whole child" in and outside the classroom.
