West Virginia Teachers Prepared Lunches for Kids While They Were on Strike

West Virginian teachers on strike made sure kids in need still got fed, by packing student lunches in advance. They prepped for days of missed school meals that many kids depend on while they closed down public schools. The teachers’ organized the strike to demand higher wages and benefits, so they packed dozens of “take-home” bags.

Governor Jim Justice just signed a bill with a 2% pay rise, followed by a 1% raise the following two years. But, according to the teachers’ union, the bill is a step backwards. An earlier version of the bill proposed a 5% increase over five years. The union also says the bill failed to address rising health care costs and a tax on payroll deduction options.

In light of this, teacher’s marched on the State Capital to demand higher wages and benefits — but not before making sure that their kids got fed.

Nearly 25% of West Virginia children live in poverty. For many, free or subsidized school lunches are their primary meals of the day. And, even though they were also fighting for their own wellbeing, the benevolent educators also kept in mind that their students depend on them. The take away lunches are proof of how frequently they put themselves second — and how much they deserve more benefits/incentives.