Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, I witnessed firsthand the disparities in resources among students. My school now provides free lunch to all, but I still vividly recall a Halloween celebration in fourth grade that highlighted the divide between the “haves” and “have-nots.” Dressed in my homemade star costume crafted by my mother, I was surrounded by excited classmates. In a bathroom corner, I noticed a classmate, Sarah, staring at the floor, her expression a mix of embarrassment and sadness.
Sarah was one of those students who arrived each day with unkempt hair and wrinkled, stained clothing. Her sneakers, once white, were now frayed and barely held together. I approached her and asked why she hadn’t changed into her costume. With tears welling in her eyes, she whispered that she didn’t have one.
Our Halloween party was a significant event, eagerly anticipated since the start of the school year. Students donned costumes and paraded around the playground, while parents and teachers cheered enthusiastically. Afterward, we enjoyed games and sugary treats, fully immersed in the joy of pretending to be someone else for a day.
I assured Sarah that it was fine, and I wanted to help her. I rushed to the lost and found, grabbing a few items, and borrowed some makeup from a friend. I applied purple eyeshadow to her lids, styled her hair into a side ponytail, and dressed her in an oversized shirt, declaring her a rock star. The transformation brought tears of joy to her eyes. She went from feeling excluded to being part of the celebration.
The reason Sarah lacked a costume reflects a larger issue: many students come to school without basic necessities. Some of my classmates struggled with personal hygiene due to limited access to running water or electricity. For some, studying after dark wasn’t an option. I knew girls who had to forgo bras, opting instead for multiple shirts to provide support. One family on our bus route lived in a trailer barely suitable for six children, often going hungry.
A Halloween costume, a bra, or even a basic pair of shoes can seem like luxuries for many. Shockingly, 43% of children in the U.S. live in low-income families, according to the National Center for Children in Poverty. Teachers have shared with me the struggles their students face, including the need for toothbrushes, deodorant, feminine hygiene items, and even basic clothing.
It’s hard for students to focus on learning when their fundamental needs are unmet. Feelings of embarrassment about hygiene, hunger, or inadequate clothing can hinder their academic performance. Some may assume it’s due to negligence, but the reality is that many families are living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to make ends meet. Known as the working poor, they face significant challenges despite minimum wage increases and more job opportunities.
To address these challenges, many educators are stepping up to provide support. Some schools have created supply closets stocked with essential items. Meeting the basic needs of students is costly; for instance, a box of tampons can cost around $5, while a multi-pack of socks may range from $8 to $10. In areas labeled as “food deserts,” prices for groceries and toiletries are even higher, making it difficult for families to afford necessities.
Bremen High School in Illinois recently set up a micro-pantry in their library, offering non-perishable food and toiletries at no cost to students, managed by various student organizations. Similarly, at Horace Maynard Middle School, teacher Emma Brooks observed her students’ hygiene issues and took action by establishing a cabinet stocked with personal care items, funded through donations from parents and staff.
Colleges are also recognizing the needs of their students. Rider University in New Jersey established the Rider Pantry, providing food, clothing, and toiletries, supported by donations and a grant.
Reflecting on my own childhood, I remember how a simple supply closet could have made a significant difference for Sarah. She wouldn’t have felt socially isolated and could have focused on learning without the distraction of hunger or embarrassment. Educators’ efforts to provide basic needs are vital; they demonstrate that students are valued beyond just their academic performance.
In summary, many students face a lack of basic necessities, leading to barriers in their education. Schools and educators are increasingly recognizing these challenges and taking steps to provide essential items and support, helping ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.