Rutherford County Schools have introduced hygiene vending machines in select schools to ensure every student has access to basic hygiene products. Stocked with items like feminine products and laundry pods, these machines aim to remove barriers to attendance caused by a lack of essential items. Christiana Middle School recently joined two other schools in implementing these machines, providing free access to students.

 

This initiative is a collaboration between the school district and the local non-profit organization Archie's Promise. Archie's Promise provides affordable formal and business wear as well as free hygiene products to economically disadvantaged families, displaced youth, and adults. The ultimate goal of this collaboration is to ensure students know they have access to these essential items at school, eliminating the need to miss school due to a lack of resources.

 

Educators at Christiana Middle School recognize the importance of addressing students' non-academic needs and understanding the impact of hardships at home on a child's ability to learn. Looking ahead, Archie's Promise aims to extend this initiative to more schools in Rutherford County during the next school year and is accepting donations to help keep these machines stocked.