On Wednesday, Feb. 14, Students for Peace and Survival (SPAS) at BCHS presented Betsy Dickson of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York with a check for $1,000 to help address food insecurity. The money was raised during the high school’s Empty Bowls event last month. The food provided by the Regional Food Bank helps to feed over 350,000 people each month. The organization serves 23 counties in New York state.

Dickson is the senior director of children’s programs for the Regional Food Bank. Dickson was also the guest speaker at the club’s meeting on Wednesday where she spent time with the students describing the programs provided by the food bank and answering questions posed by students. 

Several of the students’ questions focused on the important role schools play in helping to address food insecurity for students. Dickson spoke about the efforts by healthy food advocates to bring universal free breakfast and lunch to New York state. She also spoke about the importance of eligible families applying for free school meals available through the Free and Reduced Lunch program. 

Thank you to SPAS, everyone who supported Empty Bowls, and Betsy Dickson for spending time with our students.