Published: March 18, 2008 10:18 pm         

Energy Express

Feeding stomachs and minds gives kids a better shot at life

It may have seemed like a minor issue, but a dissenting vote regarding funds for a summer food program for Fayette County students seems like a big deal to us.

The Fayette County Board of Education voted 4-1 Monday to give $1,500 to a six-week summer program known as Energy Express.

Dave Arritt dissented, saying the board should spend funds more judiciously and offering to pay the funds out of his own pocket.

It’s possible Arritt didn’t understand the scope of the Energy Express program and what the funding provides.

Energy Express is a six-week summer program promoting the school success of children living in rural and low-income communities across West Virginia.

It accomplishes that goal by providing summer learning experiences focused on reading, serving two nutritious family-style meals each day, engaging college students in service through AmeriCorps and developing strong partnerships involving parents, schools, communities and state agencies and organizations.

The program was created because children living in rural and low-income communities often fall behind during the summer months.

Board members also know all too well how many children do not get regular meals at home during the school year, much less in the summer. Were it not for the Energy Express program and its food component, many of these children would not have a meal at all on the days they attend.

According to board president Peggy Farmer, the board had previously allocated $2,500 for the Energy Express program in Beards Fork.

In the five-year excess levy renewal that Fayette County citizens will decide upon May 13, $24,237 is set aside annually for the West Virginia University Extension Service, 4-H and Energy Express combined.

We need to make sure this program is adequately funded and continues to empower students with a better chance for academic success.

We have to feed children’s stomachs as well as their minds if we want to give them a better shot at life.