As the 2022-2023 school year approaches, Jakubowski said more schools will try to help address food insecurity.
HARTFORD, Connecticut — Rising inflation is affecting everything from the cost of school supplies to the price of groceries. Schools and partner organizations are now working to combat rising food insecurity. Back-to-school shopping comes with a skyrocketing price tag.
Connecticut Foodshare President and CEO Jason Jakubowski said:
That’s why Jakubowski said more schools are looking to help tackle the issue as the 2022-2023 school year approaches.
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“Study after study shows that malnourished children and children who go to school hungry are not learning at the same rate as other children.” He said.
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In fact, food insecurity among black communities increased during the pandemic, with an estimated 24% of black communities experiencing food insecurity in 2020, according to Feed America. – Homes more unstable than white children.
However, it is important to note that food insecurity is not confined to one region or demographic.
“This is a Connecticut-wide problem,” he said. “Across all 169 towns, there is at least one family that cannot afford food, especially for children.”
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Connecticut Food Distribution has been working with colleges and schools to address food insecurity, but more colleges are joining the fight, Jakubowski said.
“Now that we are out of the pandemic, we have seen more K-12 schools interested in having school pantries on site,” he explained.
He said an all-out effort is needed to end hunger and food insecurity.
“It takes villages. We’ve seen it during covid and we’re seeing it in the current economic crisis,” he said.
Jareliz Diaz is a Digital Content Producer at FOX61 News.she can be reached at [email protected]
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