Written by Nicole Mason, Community Outreach Chair, East Cobb County Council of PTAs

1 in 6 kids in America is poor enough to face hunger, and live in every kind of community, from cities to rural towns to affluent suburbs

I think that most, if not all of us would agree that “WE” are an affluent suburb, wouldn’t you? Did you know that in our affluent suburb we have approximately five title 1 schools? That is five schools within a ten-mile radius that our kids are effected by hunger… five schools.

Title 1 school programs receive funding based on the percentage of students who qualify for free or reduced lunches. Elementary schools need to be at 50% free/reduced lunch while Middle School and High School needs to be at 75% in order to receive such funding.

Kids who are hungry can’t focus and do well in school. 46% of children from low-income families say hunger hurts their performance in school. 12% say that sometimes at night they’re too distracted by hunger to do their homework. Imagine having to cut the portion size of your children’s meal because you simply cannot afford to buy food each month. Imagine working pay- check to paycheck, sometimes multiple jobs and never being able to get ahead of the monthly expense.

Imagine the feeling of getting that unexpected bill or medical expense and wondering how you were going to feed your family because that bill needs to get paid. Imagine wondering how your child is going to eat substantially during the Holidays.

Imagine.

Not all communities are as fortunate as ours, we have the means in place to be impactful, helpful and create a “safety net” for these children. By being a “safety net,” we can provide protection against the harmful effects of economic insecurity and level the playing field so that our students are successful.

How do we become a “safety net”?

We immerse ourselves in our community, we ask the hard questions, we take the time to really wait for the response, we take action, we donate, we become aware, we get involved. We do what our community does best…WE RISE UP!

I’ve seen it, I believe it, and I know WE CAN DO IT!

As the holiday season approaches, please consider contacting one of the schools below to donate much needed items. All maintain food pantries or donation centers on site. Needed items include non-perishable canned goods, blankets, warm jackets, socks, soap, paper towels, toilet paper and water bottles.

    • Powers Ferry Elementary – 403 Powers Ferry Road
    • East Cobb Middle School – 380 Holt Road
    • Dodgen Middle School – 1725 Bill Murdock Road
    • East Cobb Christian Academy – 4616 Roswell Road

Let’s be that “safety net” for our children. Let’s show our graciousness, generosity, support and giving.

Nicole Mason serves as Community Outreach chair for the ECCC PTA. She resides in the Tally Green Subdivision with her husband Sam and two children. This article was published in the December EAST COBBER magazine on page 10 and can be found online HERE.