Louisville Schools Pledge to Add More Food if They Run Low
Louisville, KY
– In response to concerns about food insecurity among students, Louisville schools have pledged to add more food to their pantries and cafeterias if they run low. According to a recent study by the Kentucky Department of Education, over 40% of Louisville students experience food insecurity, meaning they do not have reliable access to enough food to meet their basic needs. This can have a significant impact on their health, academic performance, and overall well-being. To address this issue, the Louisville Board of Education has approved a new policy requiring schools to maintain a minimum stock of non-perishable food items. Schools are also encouraged to participate in the federal School Pantry Program, which provides grants for food pantries and meal programs in schools. “We understand that many of our students rely on school meals for their daily nutrition,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Marty Pollio. “This policy ensures that we will always have food on hand to meet their needs, even if we experience unexpected shortages.” The new policy goes beyond simply stocking more food. Schools are also required to develop plans for distributing food to students who are in immediate need. This may include providing backpacks with food for the weekend or working with community partners to deliver food to students’ homes. “We want to create a safety net for our students so that they can focus on their education without worrying about where their next meal is coming from,” said Board of Education Chairwoman Diane Porter. In addition to adding more food, schools are also working to reduce food waste and make meals more affordable for families. Many schools have implemented programs that allow students to pay for meals using a sliding scale based on their income. The Louisville school district is not alone in its efforts to address food insecurity. School districts across the country are working to ensure that all students have access to the food they need to succeed. “Every child deserves to have enough to eat,” said Pollio. “We are committed to doing everything we can to make sure our students have the nutrition they need to thrive.”