A THANKs TO TEACHERS AND SCHOOL LEADERS
FROM: Ellie Lucas, CEO
Hunger Impact Partners
February 2026
In this unprecedented time, we are reminded why access to basic needs matters – and why ensuring all children are safe, protected, and have access to food is so critical.
School leaders, teachers, staff, and trusted volunteers are doing everything in their power to keep kids safe, connected to their school community, receiving meal deliveries and learning during this time.
They are increasing security measures, arranging transportation and food support, assigning staff to accompany students on bus routes to ensure safe arrival and departure, and pivoting quickly to offer alternative options for their students most impacted. They are keeping students safe, connected, and learning.
Education is a legally protected right for all children in the United States, regardless of immigrant status or background, yet conditions surrounding federal immigrant enforcement are disrupting students’ access to school, support services and to school meals. Many schools in Minnesota have recent or first-generation immigrants.
In Minnesota schools that serve pre-kindergarten to 12th grade, there are approximately 95,000 English Language Learners. Nearly 70,000 of those are in the 7-county metropolitan area. In Hennepin County alone there are 28,000 children where English is the second language.
We are grateful for Minnesotans and the greater community who continue to show up with perseverance and resilience.
