HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — A group of Phoebus High School students is working to address the issue of hunger.
Three Academy of Hospitality and Tourism students — Tamara Jones, Kyla Belton and Jayson Hendrick — selected ‘food insecurity’ to research for a project-based learning assignment.
On Wednesday, the students shared a mock presentation in front of several school leaders ahead of the final pitch to represent the entire school.
“I was surprised to learn that this area is in a food desert,” said Hendrick, a Phoebus senior.
Phoebus High School and the surrounding area is considered a food desert, according to the USDA Food Access Research Atlas. This includes an area with low-income, limited access to transportation and limited access to affordable/healthy food options.
Their research shows that PHS and the surround area is considered a low-income area, with the grocery store 0.9 miles away.
“The closest grocery store is on Mercury,” Hendrick said.
Belton, a Phoebus junior, explained that there are health impacts related to food insecurity including diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease.
The project also connects hunger among students to possible behavioral issues.
“I have friends that I didn’t even know [were] going through this,” Belton said. “I felt as if… I needed to say something, and this is why I really wanted to bring awareness to the school.”
Local outreach ministry exemplifies the true meaning of Christmas in February
To learn more about the ongoing issue in Hampton, Hendrick and PHS teacher Dr. Samantha Hedgspeth volunteered at the Christmas in February event last Saturday.
“It was surprising to see how many people showed up and how long they were there just waiting for some food,” Hendrick said.
This group hopes to have the opportunity to pitch their solutions to Hampton Public School leaders on March 21.
Belton believes adding food pantries in schools could be helpful.
“We could get more kids because they’re already here [at school],” Belton said. “Students can help other students.”
They created flyers to bring attention to the issue, as well as an Instagram account @Food_Insecurity_Project.
“Students can make a difference,” said Belton.
Jones added: “They need help and I want to give them help if I can. … [Do] not be embarrassed if you’re struggling with food.”
Hendrick plans to apply for the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank’s Culinary Training Program this summer. He reminds residents, the foodbanks need donations and volunteers.
