(NOTE: This interview with Athens ISD’s Dr. Janie Sims was recorded June 26 and ranged over a variety of topics: The start of school, the Virtual Academy, the new free meal program, and teacher raises. There is too much for one post, so I will be writing other stories over the next few days. I invite you to listen to the interview above to learn more. -- Michael)
Monday, Athens ISD trustees approved a federally funded program to provide free breakfast and lunch for all students.
“In the coming school year, every child that attends Athens ISD, from Pre-K3 through seniors, will be able to have a no-cost breakfast and lunch every day,” said Acting Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims.
According to a press release from the district, “The program, which was authorized by Congress, is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and does not impact or utilize local tax revenue. Students need not apply for the free meals, and will still be charged for any additional food or drink items that are not included as part of a set meal.”
“Unfortunately, we are just living in a tough time when we’ve got a lot of folks without work,” Sims said.
At Athens ISD, teachers worry about the students they are not sure are getting enough to eat, Sims said.
“We have to be attuned to our kids because so often they won’t tell us,” she said.
How important is a program like this?
According to the Food Action and Research Center, a non-profit created in 1970 to eradicate poverty-related hunger, “School lunch is critical to student health and well-being, especially for low-income students -- and ensures that students have nutrition they need throughout the day to learn. Research shows that receiving free or reduced-price school lunches reduces food insecurity, obesity rates, and poor health.”
Sims certainly agrees.
“If our kids know that every day they’re going to have two really solid meals when they come to school, then for me that’s the whole benefit of it,” she said.
The story from this interview about the start of school was posted yesterday: Athens ISD awaiting state guidance for start of school.
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