Dole Food Company’s Post

How to get free summer meals for your kids in NC

This! This important & what my doctoral work is about: equitable access to the outdoors because all kids need it! Please consider filling out the form

A few weeks ago, I shared the post below. Today, I received a response from my Senator with reassurance that she was fighting for this bill which its currently sitting with the US Senate. It reminded me yet again how amazing the REI Cooperative Action Network is in driving meaningful change. In less than 1 min, the form allowed me to submit a response to my local representatives to fight for a bill that I am passionate about-- access to green space at school for children. Her follow up today was reassuring to me that our local reps are paying attention on the other end and that my voice matters. (+ it's true: brands can be a vessel for action!) Original post: For many kids, the nearest outdoor space is at school. Yet, in many cases, there is little to no green space at school, leaving children little to no access to nature. Many schools across the country have become cement playgrounds. The Living School Yards Act, if passed, will provide grants to schools and districts to transform schoolyards into dynamic outdoor learning environments. The benefit for children is profound: 1. Growing healthy foods, trees and plants 2. Conserving water, creating wildlife habitat 3. Providing children with opportunities to observe and immerse in nature  4. Improving mental health with more time outside 5. Improving shade coverage for weather changes 6. Creating safer space to play, create, imagine, be Access to green space is a privilege and it shouldn't be. REI's Cooperative Action Network makes it easy for you to have a voice. It takes 30 seconds to help pass this bill by signing you name. Join me.

More momentum with basic needs.

Attention all educators, parents, and summer school facilitators! As the summer break is underway, it's important to find activities that not only entertain but also nurture children's well-being. Our blog is a treasure trove of free mindful summer activities designed to engage kids of all ages. Check them out here: https://hubs.ly/Q01YPkpH0

Research suggests that when we take a few moments to focus on the good things in our lives, it can increase our happiness and wellbeing. We discuss gratitude and feeling grateful with primary school pupils in Step 2 of the Hummingbird Project. Below, a pupil at St Gabriel's CE Primary School in Rochdale shares their thoughts. What are you most thankful for? Let us know in the comments. 🙂 #learningwaystofeelhappier #HummingbirdProject #positivepsychology #positiveeducation #childrensmentalhealth

Yesterday we celebrated Hear the Crunch. Today, we need everyone to show their support for universal school meals in D.C. Access to nutritious, filling meals in school is crucial for our children's health and educational outcomes. Investing in programs like universal school meals can help ensure every child has the access they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Research shows that school breakfasts reduce hunger and improve wellness among school-aged children. They also improve academic performance, reduce behavioral problems, boost children's diets, and help reduce obesity. Moreover, universal school meals support jobs and financial viability for school nutrition departments, enhancing our human infrastructure as we build a more equitable economy. Join us in urging D.C. Council to pass and fully fund Universal School Meals in the fiscal year 2025 Budget. Use the Universal School Meals Action Alert to make your voice heard. Let's work together to guarantee that every child in D.C. has access to nutritious meals and a brighter future. #universalschoolmeals #childnutrition #NSBW

Family Engagement in Education Month Tip: Make A Family Meal Invite your child to help you plan a meal, make a grocery list, shop and help prepare the meal. For more resources and tools, go to: bit.ly/flengagemonth. #EngagedFamiliesFL#EngagedProvidersFL #EngagedELCFL#EngagedRCMAFL #elcofbroward

Watch a FRAC webinar for a review of the Healthy #SchoolMeals4All policies passed to date and lessons learned from campaigns across the country around coalition building, community engagement, and messaging, along with a look at the first few years of implementation. https://lnkd.in/eAPrDWgu

🌟 Taking a Stand for Hungry Kids: Let's Make a Difference! 🌟 Hey there, friends and fellow advocates for change! 👋🏼 It's a fact that many students rely on school breakfast and lunch programs to fuel their days. 🍎🥪 These programs ensure they get the nutrition they need to thrive. But here's the heartbreaking truth: when summer comes around, countless kids go hungry because the safety net disappears. 😔 We can't let this happen any longer! The time for action is NOW. 💪🏽 That's why Wendy and I are committed to working tirelessly to address this issue. We firmly believe that no child should ever have to face an empty stomach. Together, we're determined to bridge the gap and secure year-round meal programs for these young minds. 🏛️ Our message to the Washington State legislature is clear: It's time to step up and fund year-round programs that ensure our kids have access to nutritious meals every day, all year long. By doing so, we're investing not just in their health, but also in their future potential. 🌱 But we can't do this alone. We need YOUR support to make our voices heard! 🗣️ Let's rally together and bring stakeholders from all corners to the table. Let's brainstorm innovative solutions that will put an end to childhood hunger once and for all. 🤝 Share this post, spread the word, and let's create a movement that compels change. Together, we can make a real impact and ensure that no child in our state goes to bed hungry. 🛏️💔 Let's be the change-makers our kids deserve! 💙 #NoChildGoesHungry #YearRoundMeals #CommunityStrong