In the midst of a teacher strike in West Virginia, educators ensured that their students would not go hungry. With one in four children in the state living in poverty, many rely on free or reduced-price meals at school as their primary source of nutrition.
Determined to support their students, teachers across the state took proactive measures to address food insecurity during the strike. As public schools closed, educators at Beckley Elementary collaborated to provide meals to students. Faculty members pooled their resources to purchase pizzas, fruit, and water, ensuring that no child would miss a meal.
Mark Johnson, a social worker at Beckley Elementary, shared his experience with TODAY, explaining how they had surplus pizza after serving lunch. In a commendable effort, they delivered meals directly to students’ homes. “That was the most rewarding part,” he noted. “Some kids were surprised to see us at their doorstep.”
Across West Virginia, teachers organized lunch-bagging events and partnered with local food pantries to deliver meals to families in need. Emily Roberts from the American Federation of Teachers highlighted the critical role school meals play for many students. “Our teachers are deeply committed to ensuring their students are taken care of,” she stated.
The ongoing strike is a response to the low wages that West Virginia teachers face, ranking 48th in the nation for average teacher salaries as reported by the National Education Association. After four years without a substantial raise and increasing healthcare costs, many educators have seen their take-home pay dwindle. Although a tentative agreement was reached, the strike continues with no clear end in sight. Johnson expressed his firm belief that teachers will continue to support their students, saying, “We would do it all over again if necessary.”
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In summary, West Virginia teachers have shown unwavering dedication to their students, making sure no child goes hungry amid their fight for fair wages and benefits. Their commitment serves as a powerful reminder of the crucial role educators play in the lives of their students.