The Brief
- Goodr and Kaiser Permanente teamed up to launch a free grocery store inside C.J. Hicks Elementary School last December.
- Organizers and the school believe it has helped to tackle chronic absenteeism at the school.
- Student absences dropped by 43% after the free market opened, allowing families to take home fresh produce and meals with dignity.
CONYERS, Ga. – A free grocery store inside Georgia’s largest elementary school is cutting student absenteeism while giving families access to free fresh food.
Georgia elementary school market
What we know:
C.J. Hicks Elementary School launched a free, in-school grocery store last fall to fight chronic absenteeism and hunger. Parent Liaison Dana Cureton noted that some consider a pantry “the low,” but this small store offers student families choices to take home meal ingredients for free.
The market includes fresh fruits, vegetables, juice, dairy items, freezer options, breakfast items, pancakes on a stick, and snacks. Project sponsors Goodr and Kaiser Permanente created the store to give parents access and choice while shopping with dignity, targeting health factors like student attendance.…