Hunger Reigns Among Schoolchildren in Athens

[thenews]

While Greek leaders are participating in never-ending negotiations about their country's future, the recently released results of a survey conducted among schoolchildren in Athens show how much is really at stake.

The survey conducted by the Prolepsis Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health revealed a quarter of schoolchildren in Athens go to school hungry.

The organization polled pupils at 64 schools in Athens and found that 25% of the children’s families were suffering from hunger and another 60% from food insecurity.

The incentive to carry out the survey came from teachers complaining about some children going to school on an empty stomach.

Another alarming fact revealed by the survey is that in 61% of the cases, one of the two parents had no income and 11% of the children were not covered by social security.

"The socioeconomic crisis is unfortunately leaving its mark on the most vulnerable group: children," said Prolepsis chief Athina Linou.

Prolepsis is a nongovernmental organization, active in the field of medical research, health promotion, environmental and occupational health since 1990. In cooperation with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the organization provides free meals for children attending the schools that participated in the poll.

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