Alexis Panepinto EDEC 270 D2

What If… you suspected that a child in your class was not getting sufficient food due to the
family’s economic difficulties? How would you address the issue with the family? What food
resources in your community would you recommend to them?
According to our textbook, Nutrition, Health, and Safety for Young Children states, “The

economy has left many parents struggling to purchase sufficient food to meet the needs of their

families” (pg. 52). Some family members may face unemployment or low pay and cannot afford

to buy food to put on the table. High food prices are also a contributing factor to insufficient

food. To address this issue with the family, I would first invite the family to my classroom in an

after-school meeting. I would first discuss and ask how much food they provide to their family

and what kinds of foods are being brought home to get background knowledge on the situation to

better assist with their needs. Once getting to know the family and their eating habits, I would

have a list of prepared resources that are available in Horry County to then explain to the family.

Myrtle Beach has many soup kitchens and food banks that are available for people who are in

need of food, shelters, and other resources. The Community Kitchen of Myrtle Beach, Helping

Hand of Myrtle Beach, Horry County Branch Food Bank, Caring and Sharing, Coastal Rescue

Mission, South Strand Helping Hand, The Father’s House Food Pantry, North Stand Helping

Hand, and The Shepherd’s Table in Conway are all available options to provide this family with

food. I would tell the family that I personally, have volunteered for The Shepherd’s Table in

Conway. I was able to pass out and provide many family members with nutritious foods such as

vegetables as well as bread. Many people from all over come to get the food that they need to be

able to provide for their families. Other national organizations that can help include SNAP and

WIC. Being that this family has economic difficulties, I would also provide them with a

community resource document from the Horry County Schools website page, which is listed

below. Remaining open and positive while discussing this with the family will allow trust to be

built with each other as well as relaying information that can affect the child while in my class.
Alexis Panepinto EDEC 270 D2

Horry County Schools Community Resource Page:

https://www.horrycountyschools.net/cms/lib/SC02209139/Centricity/Domain/2895/Community

%20Resources%202017-2018.pdf

Textbook Citation:

“The Foundations of Optimal Nutrition.” Nutrition, Health and Safety for Young Children:

Promoting Wellness, by Joanne Sorte et al., Pearson, 2017, p. 52.