According to a recent study done by Harvesters, around 1 in 7 people, and 1 in 6 kids in Kansas City are food insecure. These statistics are the highest they’ve been in a decade. With the recent suspension of SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown, even more families and individuals have been struggling to have enough food during this holiday season. Struggling with things like food insecurity can cause mental and physical health problems that can have negative impacts on not only the individual, but also the whole community.
“Lack of food can lead to crimes such as stealing, school dropouts, mal-nourishment, and bullying, which can lead to mental health issues. Everyone, whether they know it or not, everyone is connected to someone who is living paycheck to paycheck or barely getting by to afford food,” social worker Breonna Lindsey said.
Although food insecurity is a growing concern in Kansas City, and throughout the US, many people are working hard to ensure that everyone gets the food they need. Students and teachers at North are finding ways to help as well. All LPS schools have a food drive around the holiday season, and the food donated will be given to the ‘Liberty Community Christmas Tree’ to be distributed among families in need.
“I want to help those facing food insecurity because it is simply the right thing to do. It is in my nature as a person and social worker. When I see people in need, I genuinely want to help. I believe the ability to nourish your body is a right everyone should be afforded,” Lindsey said.
North’s culinary arts program is partnering with ‘Pete’s Garden’ and ‘Kids Feeding Kids’ to help people in need by preparing and providing free, well-balanced meals for them.
“I believe that everyone deserves reliable access to nutritious food, so when I heard about Kids Feeding Kids, I knew right away that this was something I wanted my students and I to be a part of. I really love seeing the students learn, work together, develop leadership skills, and use their culinary talents to support others in our community. It’s inspiring to watch young people show such passion and pride in their work, their efforts truly reinforce the idea that even small actions can create a big impact,” culinary teacher Erika Iseminger said.
This project has not only helped the families that have been receiving the food, but the teachers and students involved have been impacted as well.
“It has been a good experience getting to participate in this because we get to see how the food we make helps people. I think it’s important to address food insecurity so we are more aware of how we can help the people around us,” freshman Kathleen Peters said.
For some students, the experience has also been about building relationships.
“The other day we had to cut onions and garlic, and tears were shed, but I still like cooking and making fun memories. I think working in the kitchen with friends makes the experience more enjoyable, and it feels good knowing this food is going to people who need it,” freshman Audrey Chen said.
Although many students enjoyed participating because they were doing something to help others in their community that they may not have known, for some students the motivation was a little closer to home.
“My motivation for helping with Kids Feeding Kids stems from my own mom’s story. As a child, she faced significant food insecurity, and that has motivated me to make a difference in the lives of others,” junior Brooklyn Nelson said.
Iseminger recently attended the 15 and Mahomes Foundation Gala and received a grant on behalf of ‘Kids Feeding Kids.’
“My experience attending the 15 and Mahomies Foundation Gala this year was truly memorable. Seeing Patrick and Brittany Mahomes and shaking their hand is a moment I will never forget. It was also incredibly inspiring to see all the organizations they support through their foundation and to realize how many lives they are touching through their efforts,” Iseminger said.