FEEDING DPS READING: A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM TO ENHANCE THIRD-GRADE READING PROFICIENCY IN DURHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Early education is associated with long-term health outcomes. The suboptimal third-grade reading proficiency in Durham Public Schools (DPS) warrants immediate public health action. Low reading proficiency in elementary school is associated with a greater likelihood of dropping out of school, fewer career opportunities, and a negative impact on overall health and wellbeing. We recommend Feeding DPS Reading, which is a public health initiative to improve low reading scores in DPS through a nutrition-focused intervention. The program will assist elementary schools in collecting and submitting data for Community Eligibility Provision qualification, which provides free meals to all students regardless of individual eligibility. In parallel, students will participate in a reading program led by Duke University undergraduate education students. The program’s goal is to increase third-grade reading proficiency by providing healthy meals and targeted reading interventions, with the long-term goal of improving the health and wellness of Durham County residents.Master of Public Healt