Due to the closing of the GM Manufacturing Plants, Grand Rapids, Michigan area experienced an extreme loss of jobs, which led to low-socioeconomic hardships such as “food insecurity” that was witnessed in the needs of the many students who attend the Grand Rapid Public Schools. This case provides insight into how educational leader Principal MaryAnn Prisichenko and community activist Mary K. Hoodhood collaborated to form the Kid’s Food Basket in 2001, which feeds more than 3,000 students with sack suppers every weekday. This type of program could be utilized as a model program for other districts that are experiencing similar issues due to low economic status and child hunger in their schools.
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JyotiD. F.FrogillioE. A.JonesS. J. (2005). Food insecurity affects school children’s academic performance, weight gain, and social skills. Journal of Nutrition, 135, 2831-2840.
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ShermanA. (2004). Hunger, crowding, and other hardships are widespread among families in poverty. Washington, DC: Center on Budget Policy and Priorities.
