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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Means from Mobile, AL is requesting materials related to food, clothing & hygiene through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Means is requesting

Empty Stomachs and Intelligent Minds

Help me give my students a full stomach and hope for tomorrow by encouraging and stimulating their minds for the future.

  • $568 goal

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Keep the momentum going! Make a donation to Ms. Means for her next project!

Help Ms. Means

Keep the momentum going! Make a donation to Ms. Means for her next project!

My Project

The interplay between empty stomachs and curious minds can considerably challenge my student's learning experience. To create an optimal environment for exploration and engagement, it is essential to provide opportunities for them to satisfy both their intellectual curiosity and physical needs. Students must feel adequately nourished and energized to tackle the lessons ahead, especially during the long, four-hour gap between our physical education classes and the much-anticipated lunch break.

This initiative aims to ensure that students have access to nutritious snacks and enhance their ability to focus and participate actively in classroom discussions.

We are laying a foundation for greater concentration and knowledge retention by addressing their nutritional needs and enabling them to engage with their studies. Ultimately, this approach cultivates a more dynamic and effective learning environment where students can thrive academically while enjoying proper nutrition.

Many of my students hail from a community deeply impacted by poverty, where I have discovered that about 90% of them reside in households that struggle to provide regular meals. This lack of consistent nutrition affects their physical well-being and poses significant obstacles to their academic performance. Despite these serious challenges, I have been consistently impressed by their determination and enthusiasm for learning.

These students often demonstrate exceptional potential and creativity when provided with the appropriate resources and support. When given access to learning materials, mentorship, and nurturing environments, they engage deeply with their education and show promising capabilities in various subjects. Their resilience and commitment to overcoming adversity inspire me daily as an educator. By helping to meet their basic needs, we can create an environment that fosters both hunger for knowledge and physical nourishment.

Ms. Means Holloway Elementary School Grades 3-5

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

Equity Focus

At this school, more than 50% of students are Black, Latino, and/or Native American, and more than 50% come from low-income households. Learn how your donation to this school supports a more equitable education.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More about Ms. Means

Mobile, AL View local requests

Nearly all students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

40 students impacted 6donors

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Ms. Means is requesting.

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Fruit Bars Snack Gift Box (20 Pack) - 100% Natural, Gluten-Free, Vegan Fruit Snacks Variety Pack • Amazon Business $29.99 2 $59.98
Slim Jim Original Snack-Sized Smoked Meat Stick 0.28 oz 120 Sticks/Box (61368) • Staples $50.50 1 $50.50
Skinny Pop Variety Snack Pack, 36/Pack (220-01049) • Quill.com $24.99 2 $49.98
Hot Chips Variety Pack - Takis Fuego, Flamin' Hot Cheetos, and Chester's Hot Fries Pack of 12 with a Mystery Item, Perfect Snack with a Surprise • Amazon Business $14.99 3 $44.97
Ripeng 7 Pack Stackable Plastic Paper Bins in Bright Colors Desk Letter Organizer Tray Teacher Office Files Document Storage Playroom Organization Basket for Kids and Classroom • Amazon Business $39.99 1 $39.99
Chex Mix Traditional Savory Snack Mix 1.75 oz. 60 Bags/Pack (GEM1240) • Staples $39.42 1 $39.42
Cereal Bars Variety Pack Breakfast Food Snack Box 30 Individually Wrapped Granola Bars Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Golden Grahams, Peanut Butter Puffs and Reusable Bag • Amazon Business $34.99 1 $34.99
ZOOFOX 6 Pack Plastic Storage Bins with Lids, 6 Quart Stackable Clear Storage Containers, Latching Box for Organizing Snacks, Crafts, Toys, Tools (Blue handle) • Amazon Business $25.99 1 $25.99
Akro-Mils 10716 16-Drawer Plastic Drawer Storage Cabinet for Garage Organization, Bead Organizer, Lego Storage, Teacher Toolbox, Makeup Organizer, 10-1/2-Inch W x 6-1/2-Inch D x 8-1/2-Inch H, Black • Amazon Business $24.23 1 $24.23
Bright Star, Night Star: An Astronomy Story (Careers for Kids) • Amazon Business $12.99 1 $12.99
Nabisco Sweet Treats Cookie Variety Pack OREO, OREO Golden & CHIPS AHOY!, 30 Snack Packs (2 Cookies Per Pack) • Amazon Business $12.48 1 $12.48
Energy: Physical Science for Kids • Amazon Business $9.25 1 $9.25
The Fascinating Science Book for Kids: 500 Amazing Facts! (Fascinating Facts) • Amazon Business $8.00 1 $8.00

Materials cost

$412.77

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $33.64

3rd party payment processing fee

$6.19

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$482.60

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$85.16

Total project goal

$567.76

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $567.76

6 Donors

-$556.00

Donations toward project cost

-$482.60

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$73.40

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$11.76

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Means and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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