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To the Editor:

Every day in Bertie County, principals head to work, thinking of one thing: the success of their students.

Principals are champions for kids and work to ensure those children have everything they need to learn, thrive and grow.

The principals also know that with proper nutrition, kids are more likely to reach their full potential. Through their efforts, they are leading the way to end childhood hunger for students in their schools.

Principals Antonio Hoggard and Ashley Bradley at Bertie High School and Bertie Middle School are perfect examples. Principal Hoggard has worked collaboratively with the school nutrition department to find the most efficient way for students to get breakfast, and Principal Bradley always offers a hand when the cafeteria staff is short and announces the menu each day to students to encourage participation.

Yet, this year, principals are facing an immense set of challenges as the pandemic continues.

Despite these obstacles, principals continue to collaborate with school nutrition departments, teachers and other school staff to get kids the food they need, providing critical support in this ever-changing school year.

This Principal Appreciation Month, we recognize leaders like Principals Hoggard and Bradley who are behind the scenes, making decisions to help staff and students stay safe, healthy and nourished.

No Kid Hungry North Carolina, a partnership between Share Our Strength and the UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, is working in collaboration with the Carolina Hunger Initiative, a new project at UNC. The Carolina Hunger Initiative is exploring innovative approaches to support our state’s food systems during the unprecedented COVID-19 emergency.

Please visit our website (www.nokidhungrync.org) to learn more about what we offer, to include our programs for afterschool meals and summer meals, as well as obtaining additional information about the Carolina Hunger Initiative.

Helen Roberts

No Kid Hungry North Carolina

Raleigh, NC