ABCs for School Zone Safety: Tips for Drivers, Pedestrians and Bicyclists

(Feature Impact) A new school year means there’s more traffic around school campuses. Between dropoffs and pickups, children riding bicycles, walking to school and all the shuttling between sports practices and other extracurricular activities, this season is a reminder to make every trip to and from school a safe one.

To make sure no parent worries about their child getting to school safely, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Caltrans are encouraging drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists to remember their “ABCs” on every trip: stay Alert for Bicyclists and watch for and yield to Children crossing the street.

With students in school and traffic patterns changing, consider these tips so students arrive to and from class safely:

Drivers

Because children outside of vehicles do not have the same protections as drivers and passengers, drivers have an outsized role to protect people walking, biking and rolling.

• Take your time and be patient.
• Always follow the speed limit.
• Use extra caution at crosswalks and intersections, especially if you notice children nearby.
• Don’t drive distracted – even a quick glance at your phone can have tragic consequences.
• Never drive while impaired.
• Adjust your driving to the conditions and use extra caution in rain, fog and darkness.
• If you see a bicyclist ahead, wait until it’s safe to pass and give them at least 3 feet of space when you do.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians have an important role in their own safety, particularly in school zones and crosswalks where children and other people may be present.

• Use sidewalks when available. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic so you can see drivers and they can see you.
• Avoid crossing outside of crosswalks. If there is a signalized crosswalk or marked crosswalk, use it.
• Before crossing the street, look both ways. If there are any stopped or turning cars, try to make eye contact with the drivers before crossing so you know they see you.
• If you’re walking after dark or when visibility is poor, make yourself visible by wearing something bright or reflective and shining a light.
• Stay alert – don’t wear headphones or use your phone while crossing the street or walking across a busy road.

Bicyclists

Bicyclists can help protect themselves by staying alert and visible, especially in areas where traffic, pedestrians and young students may be present.

• When possible, plan your route along bike paths or roads with dedicated bike lanes away from vehicle traffic.
• Equip your bicycle with lights and reflectors to be more visible to drivers and pedestrians.
• Wear a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing.
• Learn cyclist hand signals to communicate when you’re turning, slowing or stopping.
• Stay aware of drivers and always yield to pedestrians.

To learn more and join the movement, visit GoSafelyCA.org.

E-Bike Safety Tips

With more young people using e-bikes than ever before, it’s important that riders and their parents or guardians understand the risks involved and make smart, safe choices.

Since e-bikes can travel at faster speeds than traditional bicycles, they pose greater risk for serious injury or death in the event of a crash. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes can both travel at up to 20 mph unassisted, while Class 3 e-bikes can go as fast as 28 mph unassisted.

E-bike rules vary based on the top unassisted speed, but parents and guardians should follow these tips for e-bikes:

• Many local ordinances and state laws restrict e-bike use for minors or require special licensing.
• Helmets are required for riders under age 18 for Class 1-2 e-bikes and all riders on Class 3 e-bikes, regardless of age.
• You must be 16 years or older to ride a Class 3 e-bike.
• Never ride e-bikes that don’t have pedals as they could be considered e-motos and not legally permitted on roads.
• Ride in bike lanes or on legal paths, avoiding roads with traffic when possible.
• Be as predictable as possible and use caution when making turns, crossing streets or riding in conditions with poor visibility.

E-bike rules may vary by state and regionally. Contact local law enforcement regarding local laws.

SOURCE:

Go Safely California

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(Feature Impact) The joy of being a kid on summer vacation offers a time to explore with your friends, discover new things about the world and yourself and recharge for a few months before heading back to school in the fall. However, for millions of families, the end of the school year also marks the beginning of a stressful season filled with tough choices, as children can fall behind in the months away from the classroom.

The summer gap begins when the school doors close and many children lose access to the daily routines, educational support and dependable nutrition that help them thrive. For families already juggling tight budgets and demanding schedules, summer can quickly become a season of added pressure and stress.

Summer learning loss – or the decline in academic skills and learning during the school break – can have a lasting impact on academic outcomes. Studies show over the summer, students can forget 20-30% of what they learned during the school year. Without the right support, students often start the new school year playing catchup, which can cause them to fall further behind.

Summer can also intensify food insecurity. Of the more than 22 million kids who rely on free or reduced-priced school meals, many lose access to these vital programs over the summer. When those meals disappear, families must stretch already limited budgets to cover up to 10 additional meals a week per child. In fact, recent United Way Worldwide data from 211 – the free 24/7 helpline that connects people with local resources – identified food access as one of the most pressing needs facing millions of families nationwide.

These overlapping pressures fall especially hard on millions of working families living paycheck to paycheck, including ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households. They earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford basic expenses like housing, medicine, food and transportation.

Addressing the summer gap requires a community-wide approach and solutions that meet hardworking families where they are. For example, United Way Community Schools are community-based hubs that bring together schools, social services agencies, volunteers and other community partners to provide students and families with essential support like tutoring, food access and health and wellness resources.

Families also need easy, practical, daily tips and local resources to make ends meet and help their kids stay on track.

Learning that Fits Your Day

For busy families, low- or no-cost learning moments that fit into packed schedules can make a real difference. Many communities and nonprofits offer dedicated programs to keep children active and learning during the summer, such as:

• Summer art classes, creative writing workshops and digital literacy tutoring at local libraries
• Free monthly book deliveries and reading challenges through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – a United Way partner – or book exchanges at Little Free Libraries in high-traffic areas
• Gardening classes, nature appreciation classes and swim lessons through local parks and recreation departments
• Free weekly youth workshops offered by many public museums, zoos and botanical gardens
• Free virtual museum field trips through institutions like the Smithsonian and NASA Glenn Research Center
• Free online courses in topics ranging from coding to art or language learning

Accessing Your Community’s Food Network

Families shouldn’t have to choose between nutritious food and other essentials. Help is available to ensure kids have the nutrition needed to thrive over the summer. While resources vary by community, examples include:

• Youth-serving organizations serving as open summer meal sites, offering free breakfast and lunch to kids and teens
• City parks departments offering daily meal stations
• School districts offering summer meal programs; food delivery may be an option
• Local places of worship hosting open-door meal programs or distributing weekend grocery bags for families

For those looking to make a difference this summer, consider lending a hand to help children and families. Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back to your community. Whether it’s mentoring, serving meals, reading with students or supporting local programs, even a small time investment can make a lasting impact. After all, when families thrive, communities thrive.

To learn more about childhood summer learning programs, food initiatives and ways to support your community, visit unitedway.org.

SOURCE:

United Way Worldwide

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.

https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge

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Child hunger isn’t an abstract issue—it’s a daily reality for families in communities across the U.S. That’s why StarKist® is renewing its long-running partnership with Feed the Children through the Put Child Hunger to Bed™ campaign, turning simple, everyday actions into tangible support for kids who need it most.

Announced April 30, 2026, the campaign runs May 1 through September 30, 2026, and gives consumers two straightforward ways to participate: buy a product many already keep in their pantry, or donate directly online. Either way, the goal is the same—help more children and families access nutritious food and essential resources.

Two ways everyday choices can make an impact

StarKist is inviting shoppers to join the movement with built-in giving tied to routine purchases:

• Buy a tuna pouch, give a pouch: For every StarKist tuna pouch purchased, StarKist will donate one pouch to Feed the Children, up to 100,000 pouches.
• Donate online, double the impact: StarKist will match consumer donations dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000, when donations are made through the campaign site.

Consumers can learn more or donate directly at StarKist.com/feedthechildren.

A partnership with more than 15 years behind it

StarKist and Feed the Children aren’t new collaborators. According to StarKist, the organizations have worked together for more than 15 years, combining product donations and financial contributions to support children and families experiencing hunger and hardship.

Michael Merritt Jr., Vice President and Head of Marketing & Innovation at StarKist, said the campaign is designed to make participation easy and meaningful—so consumers can be part of the solution through actions that fit naturally into everyday life.

Feed the Children also emphasized the broader impact: when families have reliable access to food and essentials, it doesn’t just help them get through today—it supports children’s development and future opportunities.

Jax joins the campaign to amplify awareness

To help bring the message to more families and communities, StarKist is partnering with a group of creators and advocates, including musician and mom Jax (@jax), who has 14.7 million TikTok followers and is known for uplifting, relatable content.

Jax shared that becoming a mom has deepened her perspective on food insecurity—and that no child should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. As part of the collaboration, she’s also teaming up with Charlie The Tuna® for a new jingle tied to the campaign.

More voices joining the movement

Alongside Jax, StarKist is working with additional creators to encourage participation and share practical ways to support families:

• Becca Kufrin (@bkoof) – TV personality and mom
• Kit Hoover (@kithoover) – TV host
• Marina Chaparro (@nutrichicos) – Registered pediatric dietitian
• Samantha Busch (@samanthabusch) – Lifestyle influencer and philanthropist

The mix of entertainment, family lifestyle, and nutrition voices is intentional: the campaign is built to meet people where they already are—online, in stores, and in daily routines.

Why tuna pouches are the campaign’s centerpiece

StarKist is centering the campaign around its tuna pouches because they’re designed for convenience and nutrition—ready-to-eat, fully cooked, and available in more than 20 varieties. The company notes that each pouch delivers 12 grams or more of protein, making it an easy option for quick lunches, snacks, or on-the-go meals.

The bigger idea: when a product is already part of a household routine, tying it to giving can help scale impact—turning a small choice into support for families facing food insecurity.

How to get involved

If you want to participate between May 1 and September 30, 2026, you can:

1. Purchase any StarKist tuna pouch (any size, type, or flavor) at your local grocery store or retailer
2. Visit StarKist.com/feedthechildren to learn more or donate (with matching available up to the campaign limit)

Together, StarKist and Feed the Children say they’re working toward a shared goal: helping ensure kids can focus on growing, learning, and dreaming—rather than worrying about their next meal.

About the organizations

• StarKist Co. is a socially responsible company focused on convenient, nutritious proteins, known for its single-serve pouch products and its longtime mascot, Charlie The Tuna®.
• Feed the Children is a global nonprofit working to end childhood hunger in the U.S. and around the world by providing food, essentials, and opportunities to children and families.

To read more about community-related events, visit www.stmdailynews.com and search for “community.”

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