Back-to-School Stress for
Children Facing Food Insecurity

Back-to-School Stress Hits Harder for Children Facing Food Insecurity

As students across Long Island gear up for a new school year, the excitement of fresh beginnings fills the air. But for thousands of local children, the return to school brings more anxiety than anticipation—especially when access to food remains uncertain.

At Long Island Cares, we see this stress firsthand. For families struggling to make ends meet, back-to-school season means added pressure: school supplies, new clothes, transportation—and ensuring their children have enough to eat. It’s a time when the hidden challenges of food insecurity surface in deeply personal ways.

The Classroom Impact

Hunger doesn’t just affect the body—it impacts focus, energy, and emotional well-being. Teachers often recognize the signs: children who seem distracted, exhausted, or withdrawn. These behaviors are sometimes misinterpreted as disinterest, when in reality, they may stem from an empty stomach.

Studies consistently show that children who lack consistent access to food are more likely to struggle academically and socially. They may have difficulty concentrating, retaining information, and regulating emotions—all critical skills for learning and development.

Anxiety at Lunchtime

For some students, lunchtime is the most stressful part of the day. Children without a packed lunch or sufficient money for school meals may try to hide their situation, avoid the cafeteria, or rely solely on subsidized meal programs. When the stigma of needing assistance kicks in, it can lead to feelings of isolation or shame.

What Long Island Cares Is Doing

We work year-round to ensure children have access to the food they need—during the summer, on weekends, and throughout the school year. Our Children’s Nutrition Programs, including the Pack It Up for Kids and the Kids Café, provide ready-to-eat, kid-friendly meals and snacks designed to bridge nutritional gaps outside of school hours. Our First-Stop Food Pantries are open 5 days a week and provide parents with food to pack for their children’s lunches.

You Can Help

Back-to-school season is the perfect time to take action. Here’s how:

Host a School Supply + Food Drive

Pair notebooks with non-perishable snacks. We’ll help you get started.

Donate

Your financial gift supports programs that nourish children and ease the burden on families.

Volunteer

Pack meals, organize, or support families at our pantries—your time can make a direct impact.

Advocate

Share this blog. Talk about food insecurity. Raise awareness in your community, workplace, or school district.

No child should have to choose between learning and eating. As we step into another school year, let’s work together to create a future where every child on Long Island has the opportunity to succeed—with food on the table and confidence in the classroom.