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Garet Simpson, a teacher and Athletic Trainer at Toppenish High School in Yakima, Washington, has launched an innovative program to tackle food insecurity among students while also providing valuable health education.
Recognizing that many of his students were going to practice on empty stomachs, Simpson collaborated with the school's food services to utilize a federal program provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which has been active in Toppenish since 2004.
“I have a lot of kids that say, ‘I don’t eat lunch.’ It’s food insecurity. They don’t have options for food."
To address this, Simpson and Nora Flores, the food services director for the Toppenish School District, worked together to provide snacks that meet USDA standards, ensuring that the food is nutritious and compliant with federal guidelines.
The program, "Habits for Athletes," involves after-school sessions where Simpson gives 15-minute presentations on topics ranging from emergency medical decisions to nutritional advice tailored for athletes.
“Last week, my topic was when to go to the emergency room, when to go to urgent care, and when to wait and see your doctor,” Simpson said.
He aims to offer more than just snacks, intending to equip students with knowledge that promotes long-term health.
Flores explained that the snacks must include specific food groups and adhere to USDA standards, with staff meticulously tracking distribution. Despite the snacks being modest in size, both Simpson and Flores believe providing some sustenance is better than none.
This program not only feeds students but also enriches their understanding of personal health, turning a simple snack into a learning opportunity.
Simpson was inspired by a similar successful initiative elsewhere and hopes that his efforts at Toppenish High can serve as a model for other schools.
He encourages other teachers to consider hosting similar educational sessions, emphasizing the dual benefits of alleviating hunger and enhancing student education.
“When I realized how much potential there is to do this and do it well or solve the issue of kids being hungry after school, this seemed like a good way to do it.”
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