Education: One Proven Key to Breaking the Cycles of Hunger and Poverty
Natalie Burkle is but one of hundreds of volunteers across the Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida panhandle coast who lent time and talent to Feeding the Gulf Coast, a Feeding America affiliated food bank serving 24-counties throughout the region. As the aftermath of Hurricane Ian is still being understood, it’s important to remember the nonprofit infrastructure that “holds the line” and is at the ready during a crisis, in addition to the necessary, ongoing work to fill societal economic gaps.
Feeding the Gulf Coast is one of a number of Feeding America food banks that is part of that urgent infrastructure. Now’s a great time to consider a donation. – Editor
“Kids who are hungry are unable to focus on learning… The biggest challenge caused by food insecurity is a child’s inability to focus in the classroom, and the biggest challenge causing food insecurity is lack of education. It’s a vicious cycle.” – Natalie Burkle, volunteer at Feeding the Gulf Coast.
Natalie Burkle joined the team at Feeding the Gulf Coast in the fall of 2018 as the Alabama Child Nutrition Specialist. She played a key role in the organization by supporting the Child Nutrition Team with all programming throughout the food bank service area in Alabama.
The Child Nutrition Team partners with parks and recreation sites, schools, and local community resource centers to provide meals to children along with enrichment activities, such as nutritional education classes, in a safe location.
Before Natalie departed to return to school to become a teacher, Feeding the Gulf Coast had the opportunity to talk with her about her experiences while at the food bank and how those experiences will impact her future as an educator. Click the link to read the interview.
