The crisp autumn air often signals the start of a new academic year, filled with promise and excitement for many students. Yet, for countless others, this transition brings a stark reality: hunger. This pressing issue, exacerbated by recent economic challenges, continues to plague our communities, particularly children.
The Impact of Hunger
One in ten children in Utah face food insecurity, meaning they lack consistent access to nutritious food. Hunger doesn’t just affect a child’s physical health; it has profound consequences for their education and overall well-being. Students who come to school hungry struggle to concentrate, learn, and retain information. They are more likely to experience behavioral issues and have lower academic performance. In essence, hunger is a significant barrier to educational success.
With inflation at its highest levels in decades, the burden of back-to-school expenses has become overwhelming for many. When you are living paycheck-to-paycheck, these added expenses can make deciding between food or school supplies an agonizing choice.
Back-to-school shopping can really add up, especially for families with kids in elementary through high school. According to the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics annual survey, families are expecting to spend an average of $918 on back-to-school shopping. This added financial pressure can force families to make difficult choices. One in five back-to-school shoppers say they’ll use buy now, pay later services options as a back-to-school payment. While this might seem like a quick fix, it can lead to more financial stress down the line, especially as the holidays approach.
Ginette Bott, President & CEO of the Utah Food Bank, emphasizes the complexity of the issue: “While Utah’s economy has grown, many families still struggle to make ends meet. Employment statistics alone don’t tell the whole story. We see these hardworking individuals reaching out for assistance every day.”
To address back-to-school hunger and support struggling families, we must take a multifaceted approach:
- Give food: With your help, we were able to distribute 50.1 meals statewide last year.
- Give time: Gather your friends and family to volunteer at any of our distribution centers throughout the state.
- Give money: Utah Food Bank can turn every $1 donated into 4 meals, thanks to our community partnerships that allow us to extend our buying power significantly.
By working together, we can ensure that every child starts the school year with a full stomach and the opportunity to succeed. Back-to-school hunger is a pressing issue that demands our attention and action. No child should be forced to learn on an empty stomach. Your support does more than provide sustenance – it helps to nurture a brighter future for our students.