Today, I cried at work.
Not because the job is too hard — though it is. Not because of burnout or bureaucracy.
I cried for a little boy… and his empty belly.
During what should’ve been just another school day, one innocent question from a student shattered me:
“When is the lady who puts food in my backpack coming?”
I paused. Caught off guard. He meant our school counselor — the one who quietly makes sure kids go home with something to eat. It’s a short school week, I explained. I wasn’t sure.
“I’m out of it at home,” he said.
“I need more.”
I asked him what he liked in the bag. The macaroni bowls? Crackers? SpaghettiOs?
He smiled, shook his head — then made a small circle with his hand.
“Those little O’s,” he whispered. “We don’t have those at my house… but when I do, they give me a warm belly and help me sleep.”
And that was it. I broke. Right there. In front of 20 little ones.
🍲 A TEACHER’S LOVE IN ACTION
I texted my teacher group immediately. You know, the ones people say spend too much of their own money on classrooms?
We bought food. We filled a bag with SpaghettiOs.
Not for praise. Not for recognition. But because no child should ever go hungry. Ever.
We cried, we acted — and we made that child feel seen, safe, and full.
🧡 IT TAKES A VILLAGE
This moment was more than emotional. It sparked a new mission:
🎒 We’re starting a food pantry at Jacksboro Elementary School — stocked with food and hygiene items that students can access anytime they need.
No red tape. No forms. Just kindness.
If you feel moved to help, we are gratefully accepting:
-
Non-perishable food items (kid-friendly and easy to prepare)
-
Hygiene products (toothpaste, soap, deodorant, etc.)
📍 Address for Donations:
Jacksboro Elementary School
164 Jacksboro Elementary School Road
Jacksboro, TN 37757
📦 ATTN: FOOD PANTRY
✨ WHY THIS MATTERS
Will this show up on a test score?
No.
Do we care?
Absolutely not.
Because what matters is that warm belly… and that peaceful sleep.
To every teacher out there feeling overwhelmed: you are making a difference.
One tear, one hug, one backpack at a time.
#WarmBelliesFullHearts
#TeachersAreHeroes
#ItTakesAVillage
#JacksboroFoodPantry
