Food Bank Provides Relief as More Families Struggle to Afford groceries
Ask students: What economic conditions are making it more difficult for many to afford food? Why do many recipients of food aid become volunteers themselves?
Summary
Stubbornly high food prices are compounding the problems of hunger and food scarcity across America, as people face tough choices in order to stretch their budgets to cover basic necessities like housing and child care. In one Texas community, residents are stepping up to help neighbors in need. Austin PBS’ Blair Waltman-Alexin and Austin Vida’s Isadora Day report.
View the transcript of the story.
Warm-Up Questions
- What economic conditions are making it more difficult for many to afford food?
- Who is David Horning, and what is his job?
- Where (what community) does Horning serve?
- How much has the community that Horning serves grown in recent years?
- Why do many recipients of food aid become volunteers themselves, according to Horning?
Focus Questions
Do you think state and federal governments should take more responsibility in making sure people have enough food, or do you think non-governmental organizations such as Horning's can do a better job? How could state and private organizations work together to make sure people's nutritional needs are met?
Media literacy: Why do you think this segment focuses on one non-profit in Texas instead of the larger issue of growing food insecurity in Texas and elsewhere? If you wanted to tell the larger story of growing food insecurity, how would you tell it? Who would you talk to?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
For More
What students can do: Do you know how much food insecurity exists in your own community? Do you know what organizations are trying to address the problem? As a class, discuss —
- How can students find out more about unmet food needs in your community?
- What are some actions students can take to address the problem?
- Do you think there are better ways to address food insecurity in your community that haven't been tried yet? If so, what are they?
You can also watch the video below about an aid worker who is distributing a food supplement to address malnutrition in Africa. Do you think any lessons can be drawn from the video below about ways to better feed people in the U.S.?
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
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