Barrera Minute #9: Freedom From Want
Parade Norman Rockwell’s Iconic “Freedom from Want”
Thanksgiving is complicated. On the one hand, it memorializes an act of generosity by Native Americans toward the struggling Pilgrims. But for many, that is a deceptively joyful portrayal which masks the cruel oppression of native people at the hands of European settlers. In modern times, Thanksgiving is an occasion for family and friends to gather over a bounteous feast. But one fact is simple – too many children go hungry every day. Schools can help fill that gap, and students’ bellies.
Even before the Trump administration’s barbaric assault on our nation’s basic safety net programs, over 100,000 children in San Diego County didn’t know where their next meal would come from. During the recent government shutdown, the administration repeatedly slashed SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Nearly 2 million California children rely on SNAP benefits, which provide a modest $6 per day to individuals living at or near poverty. The deal to reopen the government only funds SNAP through next September, creating anxiety and fear for struggling families.
Hunger directly impacts learning. Students who are chronically hungry tend to have lower grades and test scores and are more likely to repeat a grade. Food insecurity also causes anxiety and depression.
“Nobody’s brain works properly when they are hungry. I am proud to be part of the solution to that problem for our students.”
San Diego Unified is committed to ensuring that every student has enough to eat. Our programs include:
➢ Free breakfast and lunch for every student;
➢ A Supper Program for students while their parents are at work;
➢ On site school pantries through Feeding San Diego, where parents can pick up free food staples;
➢ Free meals during summer months; and
Food service workers are key members of our team to combat student hunger.
The California Department of Education, where I serve as Senior Policy Advisor, has also asked the federal government to permit California schools to offer grab-and-go meals on non-school days.
Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks. I am grateful to SDUSD’s Food and Nutrition Services team for all they do to ensure that every student comes to class well-fed and ready to learn. I am also thankful to Feeding San Diego for providing resources to the many San Diegans who struggle to get enough to eat. Please join me in embracing the spirit of Thanksgiving portrayed in Rockwell’s painting by donating to Feeding San Diego.
I hope you will also support my work on behalf of California’s students by donating to our campaign or getting involved at https://www.barreraforedu.com/
Happy Thanksgiving!
Richard
