BROOKINGS Brookings High School HOSA, Health Occupations Students of America, has announced a food drive from March 4 through March 11. The drive aims to tackle early childhood food insecurity in the Brookings area.
Food insecurity and hunger are related but not synonymous. The concept of food security is used by the USDA to measure a households social and economic ability to access adequate food. Food insecurity of any degree indicates a lack of resources required to meet basic needs and a higher risk of poor health and wellness outcomes due to lower-quality nutrition. Poor nutrition and food insecurity are associated with poorer physical and mental health in all age groups, but in young children, they can deeply affect well-being and development in ways that can endure for a lifetime.
The social-emotional development of children can also be affected by the stressors associated with food insecurity, putting them at increased risk of behavioral and emotional problems, which in turn impacts their readiness for kindergarten and their ability to succeed in school. Donors can make a difference. HOSA is collecting items such as breakfast cereal, quick oats, saltine crackers, mac and cheese, canned fruit, and canned vegetables. You can drop off any donations at the Brookings High School front office during the school day.
The school is at 530 Elm Ave.
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