Global Perspective: Why it Matters – that’s the public affairs theme for Missouri State University in 2013-14. You’ll hear it a lot throughout the year, and we encourage you to get involved during Public Affairs Week Sept. 16-20 and Stomp Out Hunger: All Collegiate Shoe Drive Sept. 28-Oct. 19. More importantly, we want you to know that the Biomedical Sciences Department lives this mission by teaching our students about a variety of social issues related to health and hunger. Ozarks Foods Harvest partners with the dietetics program at Missouri State to give our students hands-on opportunities to help eliminate nutrition disparity in our community and fight hunger.
Did you know?
- 22% of kids in America live in poverty.
- Children who experience hunger are four times more likely to need mental health counseling, seven times more likely to get into fights, and twelve times more likely to steal.
- Children who eat breakfast do better in math and are less likely to miss school.
- The short-term effects of hunger are headache, stomachaches, and increased risk of infection.
It’s September, which means back-to-school for most elementary children. My kids and I rush around each morning, eating breakfast and getting ready quickly to start the day. But, what about the children who do not get a good breakfast, or ANY breakfast, at home? September is Hunger Action Month and Ozarks Food Harvest is hoping to raise awareness of this issue in our community. I recently had the pleasure of doing a radio interview with Kevin and Liz on the radio station Alice 95.5. They host the Hungerthon, which is September 6-9, 2013. The goal is to raise money for Ozarks Foods Harvest which helps those in our community who struggle to get the food and nutrition they need.
As both a mother and a dietitian, I cannot think of a more worthwhile cause. The cycle of poverty is complex. Help us break it by raising awareness and decreasing hunger in the Ozarks.
What can you do?
- Listen to Alice 95.5 for Hungerthon details.
- Support Ozarks Food Harvest by volunteering or donating.
- Contribute to your local food pantry.
- Participate in the Weekend Backpack Program at your child’s school.