Sometimes being a kid can be tough — homework, managing relationships, juggling after-school activities, etc. But what about the kids who also deal with hunger, who aren’t sure where their next meal is coming from? How do they hide the fact from their friends that their family struggles to make ends meet? How do they avoid the stigma associated with being 'in need?'
Thankfully, the Windham Exempted Village Schools has focused on creating a food program that doesn’t single out children struggling with hunger.
“Our teachers are so good at representing our program as a resource for everyone,” said Crystal Hickman, Windham Student Food Pantry volunteer and school employee. “And a big part of our program is building relationships with our students. Some of them stop in for a hug, others talk to the volunteers they’ve connected with. So, if they come into the pantry and only choose a fun item, that’s okay, because they’ve stopped in to talk with us.”
The food programs offered at Windham schools serve elementary, junior and senior high school students. Younger students receive backpacks with kid-friendly food items each week, unless their family has opted out, helping to not single out children in need.
Extremely unique to youth programs is the choice pantry offered at the junior and high school level. The choice pantry allows students to shop the shelves as if they were at a supermarket. “If a child can choose what they can have, they’re more likely to carry it home and they’re more likely to eat it. Some shop for themselves for the weekend; others get things for their entire family,” said Crystal.
Crystal recognizes that the face of hunger has changed in Windham because of family dynamics and the pandemic. Many single parents and grandparents are taking care of children on a limited income, and the pandemic has forced many new families to seek help. Regardless of who is accessing food, one thing is certain, Crystal and the other volunteers receive much appreciation and gratitude from students and families for their efforts.
“Hunger exists — you may not see it, but it exists. Through partnerships with various organizations and the Foodbank, we’re helping alleviate hunger in our community. Without those partnerships, we wouldn’t be able to do it. They are the backbone of our program.”