CFMC Capacity Grant Update: Bulldog Bites at Monrovia High School
Benefits of Offering Bulldog Bites
As educators, we all want our students to have the resources they need to thrive. Unfortunately, many students in our rural Indiana community face challenges when it comes to accessing healthy snacks. Some may not have the option or be able to afford these snacks otherwise. Offering a small snack panty at our school could be a simple but effective solution to this problem, providing students with the fuel they need to succeed in school and beyond. In this essay, I will make a case for why a snack pantry would benefit our students and the community as a whole. We can’t thank the Community Foundation of Morgan County enough for their support and seeing the need for programs such as this.
Health Benefits: One of the most important reasons to offer a snack pantry is to provide students with access to healthy snacks. Many students in our area rely on convenience stores and fast food restaurants for their meals, which can be high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. These types of foods can lead to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. By offering a snack pantry with healthy snacks like fresh fruit, and whole grain items, we can help students make better food choices and improve their overall health.
Academic Benefits: In addition to the health benefits, offering a snack pantry can also have academic benefits. Hunger and poor nutrition can have a negative impact on a student’s ability to learn and concentrate in school. By providing students with healthy snacks throughout the day, we can help them stay focused and engaged in their classes. This, in turn, can lead to better academic performance and higher graduation rates.
Community Benefits: A snack pantry can also have broader benefits for the community. By providing healthy snacks to students, we can help reduce the burden on local food banks and other community resources. This, in turn, can free up resources to address other pressing needs in our community. Additionally, a snack pantry can help build a sense of community within the school by bringing students, staff, and families together to support each other.
In conclusion, offering a small snack pantry at our school could have a range of benefits for our students and the community as a whole. By providing healthy snacks, we can help students make better food choices, improve their academic performance, and support their overall health. Additionally, we can reduce the burden on local food banks and build a sense of community within the school. The staff at Monrovia High School applaud the dedicated staff at the Morgan County Community Foundation and their generous benefactors for their desire to help and listen to the needs of the community that holds them in the highest regard. We are excited to officially start this project for the 2023-2024 school year.
