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Across Missouri, thousands of children and their families lack access to a reliable, nutrient-rich diet, but The Food Bank's School Market program is adapting to serve this need in new ways that meet neighbors where they are.
According to the most recent Feeding America data, food insecurity is a reality for more than 44 million children and adults across the country. In The Food Bank’s 32-county service area, one in six children experienced food insecurity in 2022. Based on local data, that number is
still increasing.
Both short- and long-term food insecurity have an impact that extends far beyond hunger alone. Without a proper diet, kids and families can experience health challenges and more. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes children experiencing food insecurity may
be at risk of obesity and developmental issues.
Several state and federal relief programs address childhood food insecurity, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. Another crucial role the government plays in curbing child hunger is the National School Lunch Program, providing children from low-income families with free or reduced-price meals.
While these programs can provide needed hunger relief to many children, some families don't qualify but still face financial challenges. For others who do qualify, they may not be enough. That’s where The Food Bank steps in.
The Food Bank offers two programs that are specific to children. The Buddy Pack program started in 2005, serving pre-packed, single-sized portions to help keep children fed over the weekend.
School Markets take a different approach. Rather than providing single-servings that support one student, School Markets offer larger packages of food that can serve a child and their family — including younger siblings who may not yet be in school — with items needed for family-style meals. Importantly, School Markets allow students and families to select the foods they want to take home, offering the dignity of choice. In general, the School Market Program provides diversity in meals, long-lasting ingredients and the security of knowing there’s food in the home for parents and siblings. That can result in healthier (and often happier) families.
Recently, more schools are seeing immense benefits after partnering with The Food Bank to implement a School Market. This fall, Columbia Public Schools in Boone County implemented School Markets districtwide. This marked a major change for the district. Although some schools already had a School Market, many transitioned away from Buddy Packs to adopt the more choice-friendly School Markets right in their facility.
Much like our broader service area, in Boone County, an estimated one in six children experience food insecurity. This means, for hundreds of kids in the school district, their school helps provide an important source of enriching food.
Dana Carter, home school communicator for Hickman High School, coordinates the School Market at Hickman. For Carter, an important aspect of managing Hickman’s School Market is sensitivity for students who use this resource. “When you come in here, it's just [the student]
and I,” Carter said. “It's confidential and discreet and I try to explain that to the parents."
Hickman is one of over two dozen schools in the district, serving a portion of the 19,000 students in CPS. While some schools in the district are just getting their program started, Hickman’s partnership with The Food Bank began several years ago. Since then, Carter has seen the
positive impacts of the program.
“It makes me so happy to provide these resources within our building. I love seeing [students’] faces light up,” Carter said. “Every chance I get to push this out for families to use, I do.”
Hunger doesn't happen in a bubble, and when families are fed, children can go about the important business of learning, playing and growing without anxiety about their next meal. We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about how School Markets are proving to be an efficient and effective way to feed students and families across our service area