US Ag Secretary Vilsack promotes Summer EBT program in North Omaha [Video]

Ben Welsch has seen what food insecurity does to schoolchildren.

The Hastings High School math teacher and member of the Nebraska Education Association board of directors has seen many kids come to school hungry. Their hunger detracts from their academic performance, Welsch said Friday during a panel discussion in support of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program. The event was held at Girls Inc. in North Omaha.

“When my kids come in hungry, all they’re thinking about is, ‘My stomach is not great. I’m not listening to Mr. Welsch …’” Welsch said. “It’s hard to get them to the next step of academic success.”

Welsch’s comments came during a USDA event promoting the summer …