A teacher has revealed she 'cried at work' after finding out that one of her students was going hungry - having since set up a food pantry at her school in Tennessee for those in need.
The teacher - called Brooke - took to Facebook on 2 October to explain how she'd 'cried for a child who so innocently talked about food, and the lack of it'.
In her heartbreaking post, which has been shared 31,000 times and has 36,000 reactions, Brooke explained the student had asked when 'the lady that puts food in his backpack' was coming.
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She wrote: "It caught me off guard, because it is our guidance counselor and I wasn't sure what he needed. I told him I wasn't sure about this week since it is a short week. He told me he was out of [food] at home and needed more.
"Of course I asked what was in the bag that he liked so much. I asked if it was the macaroni bowls or the crackers, he said no.
"I asked if it was the SpaghettiOs, he laughed and told me no that they didn't have those. Then it happened... he looked at me and said, 'Those little Os (as he made a small circle with his hand), we don't have those at my house, but when I do have them they give me a warm belly and help me sleep'.
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"I lost it, I cried in front of 20 little people."
Brooke went on to say she immediately sent a text to some fellow teachers, who all rallied together to raise some money - in turn ensuring that the boy was able to have some of his beloved SpaghettiOs.
She stressed that she had not written the post for praise, but wanted people to know that teachers only ever want the very best for the kids they teach.
She said: "Some days we get frustrated and feel overwhelmed, but today we did what was best for a child.
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"Teachers, keep your heads up YOU ARE making a difference! We are all exhausted, but we push forward each and every day."
In a later update, Brooke added that she 'did not expect' the outpouring of love everyone had shown, assuring others the child now has enough to keep him going for the next few weeks, including the fall break.
Saying that 'no kid should ever be hungry, ever', she wrote: "Our principal also made sure to let me know that if he needed anything from the snack closet at school, that I could go in and grab it for him!
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"I work at an amazing school with awesome people who truly love what they do! Thank you all for offering anything and everything, you guys rock!"
Brooke said the school had now set up a food pantry for the students, where children will be able to get food 'whenever needed'.
She advised: "If you would like to help, we are accepting food donations as well as hygiene products! 164 Jacksboro Elementary School Road, Jacksboro, TN 37757. You can put attention FOOD PANTRY."
Featured Image Credit: PA