Emerson Academy students and staff took a hands-on approach to fighting food insecurity during this holiday season. This week, faculty, staff, and students hosted a drive to deliver food to fellow students.
Rocky White, director of alternative education and principal of Emerson Academy, said the small school of 155 students has created unique programs to provide food for families in need within EA’s population. The initiative goes beyond the typical food drives seen in many schools.
“What’s unique about our program is the amount of passion displayed by the students and staff,” White said. “Our students are the ones going to the grocery stores with our staff, picking out items, and making deliveries to their fellow classmates. They want to see the impact of their efforts.”
Last year, the Thanksgiving program was entirely funded by staff, with no outside donations. This year, the school expanded its reach thanks to contributions from community partners. While the Thanksgiving program focuses on providing families with essential items, the school has a Christmas initiative that targets a broader issue: long-term food insecurity during the two-week holiday break.
“Over Christmas, students don’t have access to meals provided by the school cafeteria,” White said. “This year, we’ve grown the program to provide 200 meals for 20 kids, nearly a quarter of our student population.”
Junior Kiasia Thomas expressed gratitude for the efforts, highlighting the sense of trust and care fostered at Emerson Academy.
“It feels great to know that students care about each other and that our teachers are here to provide for us, even outside of the classroom,” Thomas said. “Without basic needs, academics can suffer, so knowing that support is there is reassuring.”
White said staff contributions have been a cornerstone of the program, with many going above and beyond to ensure its success. He hopes the initiative inspires other schools to adopt similar measures to address food insecurity during holiday breaks.
“We’d love for this to catch fire with other schools and communities,” White said. “Addressing food insecurity during these times can make a meaningful difference.”
White credited the teamwork among staff and students as the driving force behind the program’s success, reinforcing the Academy’s mission to care for students as whole individuals, both inside and outside the classroom.
