BLAIR DOWLER
Feeding the Mind , Body and Soul
Many families across the Mountain State struggle with hunger and lack the means to get the food they need . According to the West Virginia Department of Education ( WVDE ), nearly one in four West Virginia children does not have sufficient access to food .
The hunger and malnutrition of the state ’ s youth is a detrimental problem , but these issues also hinder other areas of growth , including emotional and physical development , education and the downward spiral of communities . Feed to Achieve , an initiative to end childhood hunger in West Virginia , and the Summer Intergenerational Community Strong Initiative are working to ensure these basic needs are met so children can lead vibrant and productive lives .
Taking the Initiative
When Senator John Unger spoke to a third-grade class at Berkeley Heights Elementary School in Martinsburg , WV , about his role as a senator , the issue of widespread childhood hunger in West Virginia came to the forefront of his interaction with the students .
Unger asked each student to imagine they had become a state senator for the day so they could pass a new law in their school . When asked what they would change about their school , two ideas were presented : longer recess and extra lunch .
“ We had two bills . I told them they could only vote for one , but first we had to have a discussion ,” says Unger . “ A little boy raised his hand , and I said , ‘ Senator , stand up and tell the other senators which bill you ’ re going to support .’ He said he was going to support extra lunch . I asked him to tell the other senators why he was going to support that bill , and he said , ‘ I ’ m going to support the extra lunch , that way I can eat an extra lunch , and when I go home , I won ’ t eat Mommy and Daddy ’ s food , and my brother will have something to eat tonight .’”
Unger was completely floored by the response . When he asked the class if anyone else was in the same situation , a majority of the students raised their hands , and the idea for West Virginia Feed to Achieve was born .
Unger quickly went to work on this issue , partnering with the WVDE Office of Child Nutrition to enact Feed to Achieve at the state level . The initiative acknowledges the fact that children need nutritious meals to lead successful lives but many are only receiving these types of meals at school .
“ We do a lot of education reform every year ,” says Unger . “ We want to make sure we have the best schools , curriculum , technology and teachers in the classroom , but if a child is hungry or not sure what they are going to face when they get home , they are not going to retain that information . Part of learning is making sure your body has the proper nutrition .”
Bringing a Community Together
Unger , who serves as a pastor in Harpers Ferry , has developed a spinoff of West Virginia Feed to Achieve in the Eastern Panhandle called the Feed to Achieve Summer Intergenerational Community Strong Initiative .
“ There are summer feeding programs all over the state , so that ’ s not what makes us unique ,” he says . “ In Jefferson County , we partnered with the Council on Aging to create a joint feeding program where we bring senior citizens and children together . Children need a caring adult and someone to work with them during the summer , and some senior citizens experience loneliness and need a purpose . Through the summer feeding program , we have been able to give them an opportunity to serve the children in their community .”
During the daily summer program , which was held in several locations around Jefferson County , volunteers and participants received a free nutritious lunch and snack , which were prepared to USDA standards by the Council on Aging . The senior citizens and children also did fun , educational activities like learning about beekeeping or gardening and reading books to expand their minds .
Marti Steiner , an active member of St . John ’ s Episcopal Church in Harpers Ferry , became involved with the program this past summer . After hearing about the program from Unger , she was inspired to get involved while also encouraging the church ’ s ecumenical youth group to take part . Members of the group served as volunteers , distributing meals and putting together fun activities .
“ This is a great opportunity to get this intergenerational group together , and it is an excellent community-building exercise ,” says Steiner . “ Kids do not always live near or actually have grandparents , so this gives the chance to build a relationship with another generation . It is such a heartwarming experience for all involved . Food for the body . Food for the soul .”
Creating Change
The Summer Intergenerational Community Strong Initiative is a holistic effort when it comes to community building ,
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE