'How is this fair?': Teacher vents about common school problem

"The principal says we're not allowed to do anything about it."

A teacher has vented online about a frustrating and sadly common problem at her school. 

"We have a five-year-old who, last year, would come to school often with no food or a single granola bar to last her the day," the woman wrote in the r/Teachers forum.

"The same thing is happening this year, too. She got dropped off very late and didn’t even have her backpack. Parents wouldn’t pick up the phone."

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. 

RELATED: My 7o has to sign forms to attend after-school care

"Why she forbids us from giving her food"

She says she's asked the principal if she can get food for her, but for whatever reason, they told her she can’t, despite her having no dietary restrictions.

"Principal also won’t call the parents since she 'doesn’t want to be the first point of contact.' But, again, the parents don’t pick up and their voicemail is not reachable," she continued.

"I just am at a loss as to why she forbids us from giving her food. She’s the one that says kids can’t learn if they’re hungry! We do anyway, of course! This kid is such a sweetheart and never asks for food, but she’ll hoover anything you put in front of her. I’m likely calling CPS very soon, because this is ridiculous.

"I got in a lot of trouble last year because I went out of my way to find food for multiple hungry kids."

Introducing our new podcast: Mum Club! Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

RELATED: My neighbour’s kids won’t stop doing this entitled act

"Humanity before administration. Feed the kid"

"Call a 24/7 child abuse hotline. Do not wait! I don't know the process but surely they can help somehow," read a strong response in the comments.

Another pointed out: "If you're the teacher, you're a mandatory reporter. If this child isn't being fed at school they're being neglected and you're obligated to report."

"You should call CPS right now. She is clearly not having her needs met by being dropped off at school late, no food, no backpack or school supplies, and no one answering the phone. What if there was a genuine emergency like a fire or medical crisis? Do not wait for something more serious to happen, it could be too late," a third urged.

"This may be an actual emergency for this kid. A day makes a difference. Hunger hurts. And who knows what is going on at home?" a fourth echoed.

Image: IStock

Others told the OP that she should try and feed the kid where she can in the meantime.

"Humanity before administration. Feed the kid," someone wrote.

Another teacher advised: "I keep PopTarts and bottled water in my class for students. No questions asked. Hungry? Thirsty? Ok, let's fix it and get to work. I have made lunch for at least one other student each year I have taught (this year included).

"I have never asked admin for permission. I guess it really is easier to ask for forgiveness rather than permission. I am not special. Teachers all over do this everyday, but we shouldn't have to, and we shouldn't be expected to. I do it because I was the kid without food and hygiene products.

"I never want a kid to feel like I did."

Someone else asked: "No free breakfast and lunch at your school?" and the OP, who says she's from Canada, replied: "We do, but they don’t start for several more weeks. That’s what most neglectful parents bank on."

Food programs in Australia

In Australia, there's currently no government-funded food program in schools to support students who might be going without. 

However, there are multiple charities and organisations that support programs that give students the opportunity to eat a wholesome, nutritious food on a regular basis.

Foodbank currently provides food to over 600 schools across NSW and the ACT for their School Breakfast 4 Health program and are looking to expand.

They also run other programs in other states, such as School Breakfast Clubs Program in Victoria and Queensland.

Eat Up is also another charity that helps feed hungry kids around Australia, providing 20,000 lunches directly to schools each week. 

Originally published as 'How is this fair?': Teacher vents about common school problem