WCTV Community Classroom - Christen Ellrich from Griffin Middle School

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - For some young students, snack time is one of their favorite times of the school day.

But Griffin Middle School teacher Christen Ellrich says snacks aren’t just for small children. Growing pre-teens need them throughout the day, too.

And not just any snacks, Ellrich says. Takis are her students’ favorite, but they need healthier options.

According to Ellrich, who teaches 8th grade language arts at Griffin Middle, food insecurity is prevalent in neighborhoods around the school. She says she often buys snacks with her own money, even if it leaves her wallet strained. She says the healthy snacks make a big difference in her students’ learning.

“I can barely get throughout the day without a snack,” she told WCTV’s Lanetra Bennett. “So, when I have a ready supply of healthy snacks for my kiddos, they’re ready to go, they’re fueled, with something much better than Takis, which is what kids usually try to come in with. I think even more importantly, they feel loved and cared for.”

Ellrich’s wish list of snacks includes granola bars, crackers, and trail mix.

If you’d like to donate to help provide snacks for Ellrich’s students, follow this link.

Know a teacher whom you think we should spotlight on Community Classroom? Send an email to lanetra.bennett@wctv.tv.

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