Classroom Spotlight: JMG Students Take Action to Tackle Food Insecurity in Their School

We are thrilled to spotlight our incredible JMG students at Sanford Middle School, whose leadership, problem-solving skills, and commitment to their peers are making a real difference through the Snack Dash initiative. Under the guidance of JMG Specialist Tara Houle, these students have transformed a classroom conversation into a lasting program that combats hunger in their school community.

What started as a discussion about food insecurity three years ago has grown into an essential program. JMG students recognized that many of their peers were missing meals due to late buses and limited time in the morning. They took action, advocating for a schedule change to ensure better access to breakfast. But another challenge remained—hunger between meals. That's when Snack Dash was born.

Through Snack Dash, teachers request snack boxes for their classrooms, and JMG students ensure they are stocked and distributed. This simple yet effective system helps ensure that no student has to navigate the school day hungry.

Through Snack Dash, teachers request snack boxes for their classrooms, and JMG students ensure they are stocked and distributed. This simple yet effective system helps ensure that no student has to navigate the school day hungry.

However, last year, the original grant funding for Snack Dash ran out. Determined to keep the program running, Paityn Ricker, a student in the JMG program at Sanford Middle School, immediately stepped up to help. She enlisted her classmate Alana Perez, and they applied for a $500 grant through the Explore Act Tell (EAT) program, an initiative of the Albertsons Companies Foundation that supports student-led efforts to combat food insecurity. Their hard work paid off, securing the funding needed to continue Snack Dash into this school year.

Their dedication hasn't gone unnoticed. Snack Dash has caught the attention of local media, shining a light on the impact these students are making.

"I know a lot of my friends are hungry throughout the day," Paityn said to WMTW News 8. "I wanted to be able to get more snacks for kids so they can focus better at school."

Paityn's leadership and determination have also inspired community support. Thanks to recent food donations, the program may soon expand from monthly to weekly deliveries, ensuring even more students have access to the food they need to succeed.

"What I like most about the program is knowing that I can help out students with their hunger," Paityn told Seacoastonline.com. "Even if it's just by a little bit, it's still making a difference."

This initiative is a testament to our students' ability to identify a problem, take action, and create solutions. We are incredibly proud of our Sanford Middle School JMG students for their dedication to making a difference.