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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Hungry For a Snow Day: Impact of Weather on Kids in Need

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Monday, March 9, 2015   

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. - While many North Carolina kids have rejoiced in the multitude of snow days experienced in recent weeks, others are left looking for their next meal. More than 600,000 children in the Tar Heel state are at risk for hunger and slightly more than that receive free or reduced-price lunch in school.

Amanda Stansbury, child nutrition supervisor for Henderson County Schools, says when school is abruptly canceled many of those students are left in a lurch.

"It's heartbreaking when you think lunch is their last meal to the next morning and you think about these snow days that are thrown into the mix," Stansbury says.

Like many school systems Henderson County participates in the "backpack program" which sends children home on the weekends with food to eat, but that program isn't able to provide assistance quickly enough when rough weather hits.

Stansbury recalls watching one student eat two breakfasts one morning after being sent home early the day before lunch because of severe weather.

"It was a sandwich he got to take home and unfortunately, who is to say when his next meal was," she says. "These parents don't have the funding. Over 50 percent of our population are free and reduced in Henderson County."

According to the North Carolina Association of Feeding American Foodbanks, this state has one of the highest percentages of children who are food insecure on a regular basis with more than 26 percent of children facing that situation.


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