Fighting Food Insecurity Among Adult Students

October 2023 - Published in: 2023 Fall Newsletter - Food insecurity is one of the largest issues in our local communities, and it is especially an issue among students. That includes adult students who are enrolled in High School Completion and ESL programs and may be providing for other family members. Bristol Adult Education Center (BAEC), which serves Bristol, Southington and surrounding towns, noticed that many of their students come to class without having eaten breakfast or dinner; the morning classes are from 9am-12pm and evening classes are 5pm-8pm. The students are often busy getting their family situated for the day, coming directly from work or are experiencing food insecurity. Marie Patrick, the School Counselor at BAEC, stated that the few instances when they do have food available to the students, the teachers and staff have commented that students were more engaged and focused.

This sentiment was echoed by several adult education organizations at an annual meeting at BAEC during the summer. MSCF decided to fund a snack pantry for students at BAEC. The food is ready-to-eat, healthy, high in fiber and can be easily eaten during class. This pilot program was funded with a Strategic Response grant from the Money in Motion Fund, an unrestricted fund that addresses a broad range of community goals and issues through proactive grantmaking. Since the snack pantry opened in June, not only have teachers at BAEC noticed increased attendance and attention, but there has been more socialization between the students and they are building stronger relationships with one another.