Teachers, particularly the ones with young children in the classroom, are seeing more of their students coming to school hungry.
And according to a survey of teachers, commissioned by "Hello Fresh,' they are worried that recent cuts in government programs could effect SNAP benefits that go to feeding hungry children.
Many local schools have been seeing the need in schools for food assistance for years.

"Our teachers see those needs of our students everyday and as they've done for years, really work to meet those needs," said Dante Capers, Assoc. Superintendent of student services at Warren City Schools.

For many teachers, they don't just teach. They look after the well being of their students. They got into education because they genuinely care about children.
That 'Hello Fresh' survey found that 74% of the teachers surveyed said they see students come to school hungry.

Schools in the Mahoning Valley saw long ago that there was a need for students to have their own direct access to food so at K-8 Willard school in Warren, they decided to create their own pantry and there's more than just food there as well.

"K-8th grade we have about 600 requests a week in students and families who are serviced at pantries through our k-8 buildings," said Capers.

The Second Harvest food bank helps stock up 30 different in-school pantries for 22 different school districts in the Mahoning valley.
At Willard, children are able to grab a basket and kind of make it a shopping experience.
School leaders try to make it a welcoming space. They want to make sure students are prepared to learn and they can't do it with growling stomachs.

"Tt's important for them to be here everyday all day and ready to learn in order to take advantage of those opportunities. But really all of that starts with a full belly. It's important for those students to be well fed so they can be in a position to learn," added Capers.

Children are also getting food at pantries for their siblings and maybe even for their families. So they stock up the school pantries with more than just snacks or cereals.

"Some of our school pantries are starting to invest in refrigerators and freezers because they feel they can provide fresh produce, possible milk, eggs and meat to help these children and their house holds," said Renee Fuller from Second Harvest. She says they've been building up school pantries as they've seen the need rise for children.

"One third of those coming to our pantries involve children and that number continues to rise which is very scary," said Fuller.

Second Harvest along with churches and other organizations continue to meet the rising demand.
And sometimes that demand means more than just food. They make sure there's new, warm clothing available and a variety of toiletries.

"If you have a family you know it's difficult making ends meet sometimes or a grandparent now raising their grandchildren. We try to make sure no one goes hungry including children!" added Fuller

If you would like to donate any of these items or make a monetary donation, contact Second Harvest or your local school district.