Hello, we are the Parent Organization at Tessa International School. We are partnering with The Hoboken Community Center to organize our Fall Food Drive. When we organize a food drive, we strengthen our community, educate our students, and act in solidarity with families facing food scarcity- both locally and nationally.

This current food drive is vital. As you may have heard on the news, families will lose their EBT benefits at the end of the month due to the government shutdown. Many families will not have enough food.

The Parent Organization is raising funds to buy food, including canned tuna, canned soup, cornbread mix, boxed stuffing mix, and other essential and needed food items for The Hoboken Community Center and local families in need. All money raised will go to buying these essential food items and to help the families of Hoboken.

Why food insecurity matters

In the United States, approximately 13.5 % of households experienced food insecurity in 2023 — meaning they had difficulty providing enough food for every member of the household at some time. https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ag-and-food-statistics-charting-the-essentials/food-security-and-nutrition-assistance?utm_source=chatgpt.com

That translates to roughly 47 million people living in food-insecure households nationwide. https://frac.org/news/usdafoodsecurityreportsept2024?utm_source=chatgpt.com

In New Jersey, nearly 1.1 million people are estimated to be food insecure — including more than 270,000 children. CFBNJ

In our own region (Hudson County, which includes Hoboken), about 11 % of residents were living in food-insecure households as of recent data. https://foodsecurity.hcnj.us/pages/food-insecurity-in-hudson-county?utm_source=chatgpt.com

These numbers show that even in a city like ours, which might outwardly appear affluent, food scarcity affects children, families, and neighbors.

Why a food drive at Tessa makes a difference

Builds empathy and community awareness. Our students learn first-hand that not everyone has the same access to food, and that generosity, compassion, and action matter.

Teaches practical civics and responsibility. Collecting and donating funds and food helps students understand that they are part of a larger community network — one in which everyone can play a role.

It seems to address the immediate need locally. While national statistics tell the big picture, our drive will directly help families in our area who are struggling, thus turning abstract numbers into meaningful action.

Reinforces our school’s mission in global terms. As an international, bilingual, immersion-setting school with children from over 70 cultures, hosting a food drive affirms that we are global citizens — aware of local needs and capable of collective response.

Creates continuity from the classroom to life. Discussing food scarcity in our curricula (e.g., social studies, service-learning, world languages) becomes much more meaningful when students participate in the food drive and see how their effort maps to real outcomes.

Why children must learn about food scarcity

Food scarcity is not just a “down-the-street” issue — it’s tied to economic factors, housing instability, inflation, and systemic inequities. By teaching children about it, we help them develop critical thinking about social justice, resource allocation, and global responsibility.

Young children who learn to share and understand others’ needs develop habits of civic engagement, kindness, and ethical action that carry into adulthood.

In a multilingual, immersive school like Tessa, conversations can also connect across cultures: children from heritage-language backgrounds can bring family perspectives on food access, migration, cultural traditions related to food, and gratitude.

When students engage in a food drive, they see how action leads to change: their donations become meals, their collections become comfort, and their effort becomes community bonding. This fosters agency and self-efficacy.

Your contributions will help us make a significant impact. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to achieving our mission of feeding families in need. Please join us in making a difference and supporting the future of our community by donating today!