Saundra Shirley, a teacher at USD 501's classroom at the Topeka Rescue Mission, works with Mar'Vontae' Johnson, whose family has been living with his family at the shelter the past several weeks. Kansas school officials say the problems of poverty are a major concern in districts across the state. (Photo by Mike Shields/KHI News Service)

Poverty takes its toll on Kansas schools

March 31, 2014 | | 1 min read

By Mike Shields — KHI News Service

In the state that has proudly called itself the nation’s breadbasket, the problems of poverty — including hunger, homelessness and mental illness — reach farther into classrooms than many Kansans might expect or care to believe. In hundreds of public schools across the state, there are students that each Friday — or before holidays — are sent home with “backpacks” or “kits” of donated food put together by volunteers to be sure the children will have something to eat until they return to class the next school day.

Full story available at www.khi.org.

Major Funding for Health coverage on KCPT provided by Assurant Employee Benefits and the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City.

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