By Amanda Trombley, Food For Free Marketing Manager
Many children are anticipating their holiday break which starts this week when school closes on Friday! Holiday breaks in Cambridge and Somerville Public Schools are extra long this year due to Christmas and New Year’s falling on Wednesdays. While this is cause for celebration for some families, it’s not so joyful for others.
On January 2nd, my second grade daughter and many of her classmates will return to school rested and ready to learn after a fun filled holiday break. Unfortunately, some of her classmates will return to school hungry and unable to concentrate on their schoolwork. School vacations can put a strain on already tight family budgets. Some families find it financially challenging to make up for the free meals that their children would usually receive at school. Winter in colder climates like Massachusetts adds even more financial stress due to the high cost of heating. Families may be forced to choose between paying for groceries or paying for heat.
Teachers we work with have long observed that the day after a holiday break is typically challenging for hungry children as they struggle to concentrate on their schoolwork. The cumulative impact of hunger on school achievement and how it contributes to the achievement gap between the richest and poorest children has been well documented. Food For Free’s Cambridge and Somerville Weekend Backpack Programs are doing everything we can to help. In addition to the usual two breakfasts, two lunches, snacks, and fruit that each child receives in their bag, we’re sending home grocery store gift cards to help holiday food budgets go a little further.
Our community partners are helping too! Life Science Cares recently hosted a wildly successful gift card and food drive amongst its biotech members for the Somerville Backpack Program. In Cambridge, The Tobin School hosted its annual drive to collect grocery store gift cards and new gift wrapped board games to add to their Weekend Backpack Program bags.
“Food For Free is committed to bridging the gap that students face when school is closed. Working with our community partners, we’re working hard to make the holiday break a little less stressful and more joyful for families in need,” says Sasha Purpura, Executive Director of Food For Free.
