Fishers Teachers Eat Crickets To Help Fight World Hunger

FISHERS, IN -- The cheers of elementary students at New Britton Elementary filled the school's gym Thursday afternoon as more than a dozen of their teachers, staff members and a special guest ate crickets - yes, crickets - for a good cause. Many of you are probably wondering why they'd eat bugs in front of the entire school. Well, they promised their little learners a special prize for every $100 they raised for the global charity Rise Against Hunger. At this school, it's all about being engaged.

New Britton Elementary Principal Lori Mankin said kindergarten through fourth grade students have been studying the issue of world hunger, which included discussions that led some classes to explore how countries are using insect farming to help provide food and nutrients to people in need.

This also included the school's partnering with a Global Orphan Foundation to learn more about how insect farming works, in addition to raising money in partnership with Christ Community Church to buy, pack meals and send them across the world through Rise Against Hunger.

During the 2:30 p.m. event, two students spoke about what they've all learned, including the disturbing number of nearly 22,000 people dying each day of hunger.

Principal Lori Mankin and a group of students revealed they all raised $1,343 throughout the last several weeks. The goal was $700.

Through cheers, screams and applause the teachers and special guest Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness stood in front of the nearly 700 students and other staff members and ate a cricket. Mind you, these were dead and "flavorful bugs" that were bought in separate packs. One of the teachers, Mr. Temple, ate five crickets to "celebrate" his class raising some extra money.

Why Mayor Fadness? The mayor said he saw a tweet about the event while on Twitter Wednesday and was interested in this initiative. He got the invite from Principal Mankin and agreed to eating a cricket for the cause.

First grade student, Keind, said he was happy they raised the money, which was evident in his face and the faces of his peers when the total was revealed - and the crickets were consumed.

To see the crickets being consumed for a good cause check out the videos below.

Photos and videos by Rebecca Bream