Susan Wei, Paulette Brace and Mary Chivers presented a program on "Feeding Our Children Together" which is aimed at providing food for children over the weekend when they no longer have access to the free lunch and breakfast offered at the school. Right now this local effort, based out of the Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, has 16 children from Plymouth Headstart and 30 children from Plymouth Elementary School (preschool through second grade). Here are some of the basic facts they shared with us:
*One in every five children in the USA struggle with hunger.
*In Plymouth Elementary School 47% of students are on free or reduced cost lunch!
*Poor nutrition in early years has a negative impact on cognitive and socio-emotional development.
*Food insecurity in homes effects
1. Difficulty concentrating
2. Behavior problems
3. Poor social skills
4. Lower academic achievement
To see all of their presentation, please go to our Facebook Page.
Janessa Terry, one of our scholarship students who was away with her family last week, joined us to share highlights from her first semester at UNH.
Cheryl noted that she had received an email from Dave Wells in Maine regarding particulars for the Wheelchair distribution in the Dominican Republic. That information will be going out to the club in an email.
Once again, dues have gone out to members and your prompt payment would be greatly appreciated!