Teachers spend over $450 out of pocket to supply their classrooms and 9 out of 10 are not reimbursed. That’s why Feed the Children began operating five Teacher Stores around the country, providing free books, school supplies, and other classroom necessities to teachers. They are located in Indiana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.
In 2019, The Teacher Stores benefited more than 800,000 students across 458 school districts by hosting more than 24,000 teacher visits and providing them with over $12 million in supplies and books for their students. Food pantries were added in all locations to provide healthy snack options in class, for after-school snacks, and as a nutritious classroom boost before giving a test. Even through the pandemic, Feed the Children continues to operate these stores and pantries to support education and families.
School supplies and food are important. But it’s not the only top priority for families in need. Mental and emotional health support has become a top need. UCA now works with Feed the Children to provide emotional support tools for teachers, students and families. UCA’s new sponsorship of Feed the Children’s program provides Sunbuddy (for kids younger than 12 years old) and Moonbud (for 12 to 112 years old) feelings kits to fill The Teacher Stores and School Pantries. These supplies make it possible for the families served to not only survive, but thrive.