(Family Features)In today’s America, 1 in 5 children faces hunger or food insecurity – a reality reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For Black, Indigenous and Hispanic youth, these numbers are even higher. With rising poverty and deepening income inequality, the number of children living in food-insecure households has increased by 45% since 2021.
Ending Student Hunger
One powerful solution to youth food insecurity begins in the nation’s schools. Nearly 30 million students – more than 60% of all schoolchildren – rely on school meals for all or part of their daily nourishment, according to the USDA. For many, these meals are the only reliable source of nutrition they receive each day.
Explore these “ABC’s” of how school meals and the dedicated professionals behind them are key to ensuring nutrition equity and food justice for all children.
A. School meals are healthier than many realize.
According to a survey by national nonprofit GENYOUth, nearly half of Americans are unaware children receive their healthiest meals at school. A study from Tufts University concluded “schools are now the single healthiest place Americans are eating,” by offering healthy nutrition including milk and dairy, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.
“As school meals lay a foundation for children to develop strong minds and bodies, we are committed to scaling proven solutions to ensure every child is well-nourished and ready to learn,” said GENYOUth CEO Ann Marie Krautheim, MA, RD, LD.
B. School breakfast fuels academic success.
Research shows students are more likely to skip breakfast than any other meal, but those who eat breakfast are setting themselves up for academic success. Students who start their days with nutritious breakfasts are more likely to score higher on standardized tests, improve concentration and memory, and maintain better attendance. On the flip side, kids who skip breakfast are not only missing out on these benefits – they’re also less likely to eat healthy in general.
C. Innovative school-meal equipment boosts breakfast participation.
Advertisement
Cutting-edge school meal equipment and models, such as grab-and-go mobile meal carts, breakfast in the classroom and second chance breakfast, are breaking down barriers of time and stigma, leading to up to a 58% increase in average daily school meal participation. Additionally, smoothie programs are making school breakfast more appealing, offering students delicious, drinkable combinations of milk, yogurt and fruit.
Now in its second decade of service, GENYOUth has increased access to 11.8 billion nutritious school meals nationwide.
“No child living in one of the world’s most food secure nations should go hungry or without access to affordable, health-promoting foods,” said Barb O’Brien, chair of GENYOUth’s board of directors and president and CEO of Dairy Management Inc. “Dairy farmers and the broader U.S. dairy community’s decades-long commitment to support child nutrition programs, including schools, helps to ensure equitable access to nutritious foods like dairy that help children thrive and that support a positive food future for all.”
To help make sure the only hunger a child feels is the hunger to learn, visit GENYOUthnow.org and discover how you can make a difference.
The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
The European Space Agency’s astronaut cohort includes a parastronaut, as part of a feasibility project.
AP Photo/Francois MoriJesse Rhoades, University of North Dakota and Rebecca Rhoades, University of North Dakota
Humans will likely set foot on the Moon again in the coming decade. While many stories in this new chapter of lunar exploration will be reminiscent of the Apollo missions 50 years ago, others may look quite different.
For instance, the European Space Agency is currently working to make space travel more accessible for people of a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. In this new era, the first footprint on the Moon could possibly be made by a prosthetic limb.
NASA plans to return humans to the lunar surface in the coming decade.NASA Goddard
Historically, and even still today, astronauts selected to fly to space have had to fit a long list of physical requirements. However, many professionals in the field are beginning to acknowledge that these requirements stem from outdated assumptions.
Some research, including studies by our multidisciplinary team of aerospace and biomechanics researchers, has begun to explore the possibilities for people with physical disabilities to venture into space, visit the Moon and eventually travel to Mars.
Current research
NASA has previously funded and is currently funding research on restraints and mobility aids to help everyone, regardless of their ability, move around in the crew cabin.
Additionally, NASA has research programs to develop functional aids for individuals with disabilities in current U.S. spacecraft. A functional aid is any device that improves someone’s independence, mobility or daily living tasks by compensating for their physical limitations.
The European Space Agency, or ESA, launched its Parastronaut Feasibility Project in 2022 to assess ways to include individuals with disabilities in human spaceflight. A parastronaut is an astronaut with a physical disability who has been selected and trained to participate in space missions.
At the University of North Dakota, we conducted one of the first studies focused on parastronauts. This research examined how individuals with disabilities get into and get out of two current U.S. spacecraft designed to carry crew. The first was NASA’s Orion capsule, designed by Lockheed Martin, and the second was Boeing’s CST 100 Starliner.
Alongside our colleagues Pablo De León, Keith Crisman, Komal Mangle and Kavya Manyapu, we uncovered valuable insights into the accessibility challenges future parastronauts may face.
Our research indicated that individuals with physical disabilities are nearly as nimble in modern U.S. spacecraft as nondisabled individuals. This work focused on testing individuals who have experienced leg amputations. Now we are looking ahead to solutions that could benefit astronauts of all abilities.
Safety and inclusion
John McFall is the ESA’s first parastronaut. At the age of 19, Mcfall lost his right leg just above the knee from a motorcycle accident. Although McFall has not been assigned to a mission yet, he is the first person with a physical disability to be medically certified for an ISS mission.
John McFall stands by a mock-up of the SpaceX Dragon crew capsule.SpaceX, CC BY-NC-SA
Astronaut selection criteria currently prioritize peak physical fitness, with the goal of having multiple crew members who can do the same physical tasks. Integrating parastronauts into the crew has required balancing mission security and accessibility.
However, with advancements in technology, spacecraft design and assistive tools, inclusion no longer needs to come at the expense of safety. These technologies are still in their infancy, but research and efforts like the ESA’s program will help improve them.
Design and development of spacecraft can cost billions of dollars. Simple adaptations, such as adding handholds onto the walls in a spacecraft, can provide vital assistance. However, adding handles to existing spacecraft will be costly.
Functional aids that don’t alter the spacecraft itself – such as accessories carried by each astronaut – could be another way forward. For example, adding Velcro to certain spots in the spacecraft or on prosthetic limbs could improve a parastronaut’s traction and help them anchor to the spacecraft’s surfaces.
Engineers could design new prosthetics made for particular space environments, such as zero or partial gravity, or even tailored to specific spacecraft. This approach is kind of like designing specialized prosthetics for rock climbing, running or other sports.
Accessibility can help everyone
Future space exploration, particularly missions to the Moon and Mars that will take weeks, months and even years, may prompt new standards for astronaut fitness. During these long missions, astronauts could get injured, causing what can be considered incidental disability.
An astronaut with an incidental disability begins a mission without a recognized disability but acquires one from a mission mishap. An astronaut suffering a broken arm or a traumatic brain injury during a mission would have a persistent impairment.
On longer missions, astronauts may need to troubleshoot issues on their own.NASA
During long-duration missions, an astronaut crew will be too far away to receive outside medical help – they’ll have to deal with these issues on their own.
Considering disability during mission planning goes beyond inclusion. It makes the mission safer for all astronauts by preparing them for anything that could go wrong. Any astronaut could suffer an incidental disability during their journey.
Safety and inclusion in spaceflight don’t need to be at odds. Instead, agencies can reengineer systems and training processes to ensure that more people can safely participate in space missions. By addressing safety concerns through technology, innovative design and mission planning, the space industry can have inclusive and successful missions.Jesse Rhoades, Professor of Education, Heath & Behavior, University of North Dakota and Rebecca Rhoades, Researcher in Education, Health & Behavior, University of North Dakota
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/
Celebrating National Nutrition Month: A Heartfelt Tribute to Nourishing Seniors
On March 19, 2025, Tanner Terrace residents celebrated National Nutrition Month with a community event led by Diana Gregory Outreach Services, focusing on healthy eating and nutrition education for seniors.
Diana Gregory (center) with Pam Giannonatti (L), Angela Banks (R), and nutritionist Debbie Polisky at the Tanner Terrace event. Image Credit: Larry Jones
March 19, 2025, marked a significant day for the residents of Tanner Terrace in Glendale, Arizona, as they came together to celebrate National Nutrition Month. The event, held from 2 PM to 3:30 PM, aimed to emphasize the importance of healthy eating among seniors and featured a special focus on enhancing their nutritional knowledge.
The gathering was organized by Diana Gregory Outreach Services, a non-profit dedicated to enriching lives through healthy eating. Over the years, this organization has worked tirelessly to provide access to fresh produce and nutritional education for low-income seniors, veterans, and vulnerable individuals in the community.
A Flavorful Presentation
The afternoon began with a lively presentation titled Food, Fun, and Fitness, led by certified nutritionist Debbie Polisky. The interactive session engaged residents in discussions about the benefits of balanced nutrition and simple ways to incorporate healthy foods into their diets. Attendees were eager to learn and ask questions, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with enthusiasm for healthier living.
As a delightful conclusion to the presentation, each of the 100 seniors in attendance received a pre-packed bag of fresh produce from Fry’s Food Stores, complete with recipes and nutritional information. Watching the smiles on the seniors’ faces as they received these gifts was a heartwarming reminder of the impact of community support.
Generous Support from Fry’s Food Stores
At the outset of the event, Diana Gregory was presented with a generous check from Fry’s Food Stores. This contribution is vital for supporting Diana Gregory Outreach Services and its initiatives. Gregory proudly stated, “We have been serving the town for 16 years, and last year alone, we served over 30,000 seniors and veterans. This kind of support is critical to continue our mission.”
Pam Giannonatti, the Corporate Affairs Manager for Fry’s, emphasized their commitment to fighting food insecurity. With initiatives like “Zero Hunger, Zero Waste,” Fry’s aims to provide fresh food not only in their stores but also to those in need within the community. “Last year alone, we were able to provide over 16 million meals to hungry Arizonans,” Girardi remarked, highlighting the company’s dedication to wholesome nutrition and community welfare.
The Mission of Diana Gregory Outreach Services
Diana Gregory Outreach Services has a clear and impactful mission: to enrich lives through healthy eating. By addressing health disparities and championing holistic nutrition and fitness, the organization ensures that vulnerable populations have access to the resources they need to thrive. Their commitment is straightforward but profound: “We have a responsibility to ensure no veteran, senior, and their families in our community go to bed hungry.”
The culmination of the event was not just about handing out fresh produce; it symbolized a community rallying together to support its most vulnerable members. Flyers were distributed to the residents of Tanner Terrace, spreading awareness about future initiatives and encouraging participation in further programs designed to enhance healthy living.
Advertisement
A Community Commitment
As I observed this event, it became clear that initiatives like these serve a dual purpose: they enrich the lives of seniors by providing them with crucial resources and foster a sense of community among participants. For many seniors, events like these also offer an opportunity to socialize and engage with their neighbors, enhancing their overall well-being.
As National Nutrition Month concludes, the event at Tanner Terrace stands as a shining example of how community partnerships—between organizations, businesses, and residents—can work in harmony to create a healthier future for all. By continuing to support initiatives that prioritize nutrition, we can make a lasting impact on our community’s health and wellness.
In the spirit of National Nutrition Month, let us carry forward the lessons learned and the connections made, ensuring that every member of our community has access to the nourishment they need to lead fulfilling lives.
The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.
View all posts
Blizzard Entertainment Raises Over $2 Million for CureDuchenne: A Tribute to Community and Legacy
Blizzard Entertainment and World of Warcraft players raised over $2 million for CureDuchenne, honoring Mats Steen, a devoted player lost to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, while promoting awareness and community support.
In a remarkable display of unity and compassion, Blizzard Entertainment® and the gaming community of World of Warcraft® have come together to raise over $2 million for CureDuchenne, a nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Inspired by the poignant documentary “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin,” the initiative has touched hearts and changed lives, honoring the legacy of the late Mats Steen, a devoted player known as Ibelin.
Honoring Mats Steen’s Legacy
Mats Steen, a young man from Norway, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at a young age, a condition that steals muscle strength, leading to severe physical limitations and, tragically, premature death. Mats lost his life at just 25, but his journey didn’t end there; his story is one of connection, joy, and community. Through World of Warcraft, Mats discovered a vibrant world filled with friendships and adventures that transcended his physical challenges.
His family, upon his passing, uncovered the wealth of community and connection that the game provided him—a life filled with support and laughter that they had never fully appreciated. In remembrance of Mats, players worldwide adopted a limited-edition in-game pet, a fox named Reven, with all proceeds supporting the critical work of CureDuchenne.
The Impact of the Fundraising Campaign
The response from the gaming community has been nothing short of extraordinary. The opportunity to adopt Reven provided players a chance to honor Mats’ legacy while contributing to a noble cause. The campaign not only garnered significant financial support—$2 million to date—but also raised awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a condition that affects around 300,000 individuals globally.
According to Debra Miller, Founder and CEO of CureDuchenne, this partnership has been a breakthrough. “Not only has it raised critical funds for research,” she said, “but it has also generated awareness for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The World of Warcraft community has demonstrated that gaming can be a powerful force for good.”
A Community United
The success of this fundraising initiative emphasizes the strength of the community and the impact that gaming can have in addressing real-world issues. The World of Warcraft community rallied together, showcasing the power of connection and shared purpose. The campaign reached across borders and time zones, allowing players from diverse backgrounds to unite in support of a common cause.
Holly Longdale, Executive Producer of World of Warcraft, expressed gratitude for the community’s generosity. “Your kindness helps enable the incredible work of CureDuchenne and honors the deeply impactful life of Mats Steen. We invite everyone to continue supporting CureDuchenne and to carry on Ibelin’s legacy with compassion and joy.”
The Future of Duchenne Research
The funds raised are critical for advancing research efforts aimed at finding treatments and improving care for those living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. CureDuchenne is committed to accelerating research initiatives and to supporting families affected by this progressive disease. Their work includes funding early-stage scientific research, enhancing patient care, and providing educational resources to families.
Advertisement
CureDuchenne’s mission is clear: to bring treatments to everyone affected by this relentless disease, regardless of their financial status or geographical location. As the organization continues its vital work, the funding from the Blizzard partnership will play a crucial role in driving groundbreaking research forward.
The collaboration between Blizzard Entertainment and the World of Warcraft community serves as a shining example of how gaming can transcend entertainment to become a force for social good. The $2 million raised for CureDuchenne is more than a financial contribution; it symbolizes a tribute to personal legacy and a community united by purpose.
As we remember Mats Steen and cherish the friendships forged in virtual worlds, let us continue to advocate for those living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Together, we can harness the power of community and gaming to drive change, support vital research, and ultimately, help find a cure. If this campaign inspires you, consider supporting CureDuchenne or participating in similar initiatives within the gaming community to make a difference. For more information on how to contribute, visit CureDuchenne.
About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, and StarCraft®, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard, which Microsoft acquired (NASDAQ: MSFT), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment experiences. Blizzard Entertainment has created some of the industry’s most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games over the last 30 years, with a track record that includes multiple Game of the Year awards. Blizzard Entertainment engages tens of millions of players around the world with titles available on PC via Battle.net®, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.
SOURCE CureDuchenne
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series, and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here:
Cookie Policy
According to a survey by national nonprofit GENYOUth, nearly half of Americans are unaware children receive their healthiest meals at school. A study from Tufts University concluded “schools are now the single healthiest place Americans are eating,” by offering healthy nutrition including milk and dairy, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.
Jesse Rhoades, Professor of Education, Heath & Behavior, University of North Dakota and Rebecca Rhoades, Researcher in Education, Health & Behavior, University of North Dakota
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
