Meals for Success: Inside Student U’s Commitment to Food Equity for Students
By Kristain Abrams
Welcome back to Youth Work 101, our series dedicated to supporting youth work practitioners, educators, advocates for young people, and after-school professionals in their crucial work. In this YW101, we’re delving into the intricate realm of communication styles. In our interactions with young people, colleagues, and stakeholders, understanding communication dynamics can make all the difference in building trust, fostering growth, and resolving conflicts.
Let’s explore the needs and equity in food security within North Carolina and our local communities that impact education and our work to address such inadequacies.
In North Carolina, hunger is an obstacle to learning and thriving. In this piece, we dive deeper into the need for equitable food security, especially for students who rely on consistent meals to focus and engage at school. Access to nutritious food is essential, and yet food insecurity remains a pressing issue in our communities, with disproportionate impacts on marginalized groups. This is where Student U steps in, aiming to make a difference in the lives of local youth. By participating in initiatives like the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and providing meals year-round, we’re committed to nourishing futures through meaningful community support.
Why Food Security Matters in Education
Food is the fuel that powers students’ learning journeys. Students struggle to concentrate, participate, and perform in school without proper nutrition. Food insecurity has a domino effect on young people, impacting everything from their ability to pay attention to long-term academic success.
In North Carolina, 11.4% of the population—over 1.1 million people—face food insecurity. In Durham County, 9.6% of residents experience the same struggle. Particularly alarming is the statistic for children: 19% of those under 18 in Durham are food insecure, a percentage that’s disproportionately higher in Black and Latino communities. This highlights the intersection of racial and socioeconomic inequalities, which Student U aims to address head-on.
Expanding Food Security: Our 2024 Summer and Spring Programs
During the spring and summer of 2024, Student U substantially supported our student community, offering 2,450 meals in the spring and 2,499 during the summer. This achievement represents more than just meals served—it’s a commitment to creating stable and nutritious routines for our students.
Every meal we serve reminds us that food security is within reach when communities work together. Beyond filling stomachs, these meals help students arrive at school ready to learn, participate, and thrive. And as we look ahead, our goal remains to continue filling these needs across all seasons.
The Role of CACFP in Building Lasting Food Security
One key element in our strategy is our partnership with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). But what exactly is CACFP, and why is it a game-changer in fighting food insecurity? The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) CACFP program funds afterschool programs serving meals and snacks in low-income areas. For many students, the meals provided through CACFP are the difference between going to bed hungry and having a nutritious end to their day.
This program is built around these core requirements:
- After-School Care: CACFP supports programs primarily focused on providing care after school and even on weekends, holidays, and school breaks.
- Scheduled Activities: Programs must offer organized, regular activities that children can count on.
- Educational Enrichment: Each program includes educational or enrichment activities such as arts, crafts, computer skills, or homework assistance.
- Eligibility: Programs must be located in an eligible area to ensure the food reaches those who need it most.
By following these guidelines, Student U’s partnership with CACFP ensures that we’re providing consistent, healthy meals while creating a safe, enriching environment that supports overall development.
Daily Meals and Snacks for Our Students
In partnership with Durham Public Schools, Student U goes a step further by making sure every student has access to both a meal and a snack each day, with the meals provided by a local Durham restaurant, Chicken Hut. This commitment is made possible through our partnership with local caterers, who prepare fresh, nutritious meals tailored to meet students’ dietary needs. The consistency of these meals fosters a sense of routine, helping students feel more secure and ready to tackle their schoolwork and personal development.
The collaboration with local caterers also supports our community by boosting local businesses and creating a cycle of mutual growth. We’re not only ensuring food security but also contributing to a thriving local economy.
Empowering Futures, One Meal at a Time
Addressing food insecurity is about more than filling plates; it’s about investing in futures. Every meal provided through Student U and our partners is a step toward a more equitable community where each student, regardless of background, has the support they need to succeed. With the help of CACFP, we’re able to bridge the gap for students facing food insecurity, offering consistent support that meets both immediate nutritional needs and long-term educational goals.
As Student U continues to expand its reach, our renovated kitchen at W.G. Pearson Center serves as a hub for ongoing growth. This isn’t just a kitchen—it’s a symbol of our commitment to food security and equity. In partnership with local entrepreneurs like Piri Catering and So Good Pupusas, we’re creating a vibrant community resource where nutritious, locally prepared meals reach more families, reduce hunger, and promote overall well-being.
Through every program, meal, and partnership, Student U aims to create a Durham where food insecurity doesn’t hinder success, and every student has the resources to thrive.
For more information, visit:
Feeding America: Hunger in North Carolina
(https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/north-carolina)
Food Shuttle: Hunger in NC
(https://www.foodshuttle.org/hunger-in-nc-1)
UNC ncIMPACT: Food Security in North Carolina
(https://ncimpact.sog.unc.edu/2024/06/food-security-in-north-carolina/)
Feeding America: Race & Food Insecurity
(https://www.feedingamerica.org/research/race-food-insecurity)
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