News Summary
As Fayette County Public Schools approaches spring break from April 7-11, 2023, many students may face food insecurity. To address this, Councilmember Tyler Morton has initiated the ‘Hunger Doesn’t Take a Spring Break’ program, providing hot lunches and snack bags to children throughout the break. All children are invited to participate, ensuring nutritious meals are available, particularly for those reliant on school nutrition programs, regardless of their school’s participation in federal programs.
Fayette County to Combat Student Hunger During Spring Break
Fayette County Public Schools will observe a spring break from April 7-11, 2023, during which many students may face food insecurity as they lose access to guaranteed hot meals. To address this issue, Councilmember Tyler Morton is launching the “Hunger Doesn’t Take a Spring Break” program, delivering hot lunches and snack bags to children across the county throughout the break.
The program aims to ensure that children receive nutritious meals, regardless of their school’s participation in federal programs designed to provide free meals. Specifically, 58 out of the 67 public schools in Fayette County offer free breakfast and lunch to students due to their low socioeconomic status under the Community Eligibility Provision. This policy enables schools to provide meals at no cost when at least 40% of students qualify for free lunch.
The “Hunger Doesn’t Take a Spring Break” program invites all children, not just those attending Community Eligibility Provision-designated schools, to participate. Meals will be distributed daily from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at various locations across Fayette County, including:
- Charles Young Center (opens at noon)
- Martin Luther King Park
- Green Acres Park
- Whitney Young Park
- Douglass Park
- Dunbar Center
Morton underscored the crucial need for resources in undervalued and low-socioeconomic communities, emphasizing food accessibility as a vital aspect of community welfare. The program originally started in 2023, inspired by the leadership of former councilmember Tayna Fogle. Following Fogle, Morton won his council seat in the 2024 election and has since taken up the mantle to continue the program.
The initiative is supported by numerous community sponsors dedicated to addressing hunger in the area. Notable sponsors include the Bluegrass Community Foundation, Hallway Feeds, Lexington Leadership Foundation, CHI Saint Joseph Health, VisitLEX, Kentucky American Water, Chef Li’s Private Kitchen, Traditional Bank, and Community Inspired Lexington. These groups have committed financial resources to ensure the meal distribution initiative can serve as many children as possible during the spring break period.
The “Hunger Doesn’t Take a Spring Break” program reflects a community-driven response to child food insecurity, providing necessary meals to students who rely on school nutrition programs. Through local partnerships and community support, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap for families during the school break, guaranteeing that no child in Fayette County goes hungry.
By addressing this growing issue of food insecurity, stakeholders hope to cultivate a healthier, more supportive environment for all children, ensuring they remain nourished and prepared to succeed both academically and in daily life.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Fayette County News
- Google Search: Fayette County Hunger
- Fay Observer: Fayetteville Hunger Walk
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hunger Statistics
- ABC11: Food Giveaway in Sandhills
- Google News: Hunger in Schools
