In West Virginia, where one in four children live in poverty, many depend on free or reduced-price school meals as their primary source of nutrition. Amidst a strike for higher wages and better benefits, teachers took it upon themselves to guarantee that their students would not face hunger during this challenging time.
The educators’ strike, which began last week, resulted in the closure of all public schools statewide. However, at Beckley Elementary, the spirit of community prevailed. Teachers and staff collaborated to arrange meals for students, pooling their resources to buy pizzas, fruit, and water. Patrick Johnson, a social worker at the school, shared with TODAY how they discovered a surplus of pizza after distributing slices during lunch. This prompted them to deliver the remaining food directly to students’ homes. “Visiting them was the most rewarding part of the experience,” he noted. “Some were genuinely surprised to see us.”
Across the state, educators went above and beyond to ensure that students received meals. Some schools organized lunch-bagging events, while others partnered with local food pantries to drop off meals at students’ homes. Jennifer Adams, a representative from the American Federation of Teachers, highlighted the essential role that school meals play in many students’ daily lives. “Our teachers wouldn’t feel right if their students weren’t taken care of,” she stated.
The strike itself is a response to the dismal pay faced by West Virginia teachers, who are among the lowest compensated in the nation, ranking 48th out of 50 states in average teacher salaries according to the National Education Association. After four years without a significant pay increase and rising healthcare costs leading to diminished take-home pay, the teachers’ demand for change is well-founded.
Although a tentative agreement had been reached, the strike continues, leaving the duration uncertain. However, one thing remains clear: Johnson asserted that their commitment to ensuring students do not go hungry is unwavering. “If we had to do it again, we absolutely would,” he affirmed.
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Summary
In the midst of their strike for better pay, West Virginia teachers prioritized student welfare by ensuring that no child would go hungry. They organized meal deliveries and collaborated with local resources to provide essential nourishment, demonstrating their commitment to the community.