Feeding Our Keiki

[Lodestone]

The problem with the "THEIR PARENTS SHOULD FEED THEM OR NOT HAVE KIDS" argument is that its proponents aren't connecting the dots. Parents who are already making poor choices (drugs, drinking, single-parent) are not the sort who make good choices regarding birth control either. Meth-head parents do not wake up thinking "What shall I make my kids for breakfast?" Their first thought (usually around noon) is usually "How can I get more meth?"

[Carey]

There are some more private programs in Puna (some church based & some at community centers)

The reality is that it is easier to offer a keiki breakfast/lunch programs in Keaukaha schools because the population of keiki is far less spread out, closer to the schools. Esp. now, the lower Puna schools are working this summer to get back on track, after having to go through emergency shut down & redistribution due to the lava flow last fall (think about the task that many teachers & school support personnel had to do in a very short time frame...I know many wanted the schools to reopen mid term this last spring, but I think everyone probably realizes that the task to move the schools once during the class session time was a huge undertaking...)

[leilanidude]

Any hungry child whose parents are receiving SNAP/EBT should not be allowed to stay with that parent.

[rainyjim]

quote:

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Originally posted by opihikao

Sorry, rainyjim, but the reality is we have the highest percentage of keiki whose only meal is at school in Puna. We have the highest percentage in our schools of children who don't even have slippers!

This is our reality, and for us to deal with. Food Bank, etc., can only do so much. We all need to make sure our keiki are being nutured, and nourished. Same with our kupuna.

Unfortunately, as detailed on other threads, the benefits parents get, don't always trickle down to the keiki.

Yes, sad reality. Indeed.

JMO.

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Don't be sorry Opihikao,

I understand the reality of the situation, I was just trying to emphasize that we need a solution beyond just providing them with a meal. It's like puttin a band-aid on a wound that needs stitches - it's not going to be effective at solving the problem.

[Ino]

At the Pahoa Boys and Girls Club the keiki often arrive hungry and the staff there thinks some of them receive their only meal there at the club. Please consider supporting the Puna Lions food drive every 2nd Sunday 9-1 of every month at Pahoa Longs or go directly there to the Pahoa Clubhouse and donate some healthy snacks or fruit to the club. Thank you!

Here's more information about the Pahoa Boys and Girls Club
Located in P#257;hoa Town (next to Akebono Theatre) at the YBA hall
2:00 pm to 5:30 pm (Monday to Friday)
808-640-1034
Jordan Tesar (Club Director)

They really appreciate community support.

[terracore]

I donate to the food banks etc. I don't want to see any child go hungry, even if their parent's car is 15 years newer model than mine and the parents can somehow afford cigarettes.

[SandyS]

A new Food Basket distribution site will begin this Wed. June 24, 2015 at the Opihikao Congreational Church. 13-6325 Kalapana-Kapaho Road (The Red Road) at the bottom of Kamaili Road. Food pick up hours are 2-3 p.m. Recipients will be asked to fill out some paperwork, but the food is available to anyone with a need regardless of income. Please pass the word along to those that may be interested.

[EightFingers]

Just a what if......

If the parents were making $100,000.00 a year and they decided none of it would be used to feed their kids, should someone else feed them?

Where do you draw the line?

[beepbeep]

Then it would be a form of abuse so the kids would be taken away and you would be feeding, clothing and sheltering them !

Pam in CA