Food Program For Kids Offered By the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent
In Texas (and anywhere for that matter), the reality is that child hunger is more common than you would think. Thousands of children across our state face food insecurity, meaning they don't always know where their next meal will come from. This issue is critical when school is out for breaks such as holidays. For many students, free school meals are their primary source of nutrition. To help bridge the gap in our local areas, the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent offers solutions like our Kids Weekend Meals Program to do our part in helping heal the hurt of hunger for Texas children.
Now, Let’s Try To Unpack Child Hunger in Texas…
Texas has one of the highest rates of child hunger in the country. According to Feeding Texas, nearly 1 in 4 children lives in a household without enough food. This highlights the importance of programs that provide constant access to free food for kids. Without reliable meals, kids face not only hunger issues but also potential impacts on their physical and cognitive development.
The Impact of Hunger on Children
Hunger impacts nearly every aspect of a child’s development and well-being. Kids who face food insecurity are at higher risk for developmental delays, as a lack of proper nutrition can stunt physical & cognitive growth. They are also more likely to experience behavioral issues, have trouble concentrating, and face long-term health problems due to weakened immune systems.Â
This is why efforts like the Kids Weekend Meals Program matter, providing relief to children who might otherwise go without food on weekends and holidays.
Kids Weekend Meals Program Helps Hungry Kids in Texas
The Kids Weekend Meals Program at the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent addresses the needs of food-insecure children by providing bags filled with nutritious, easy-to-prepare, and non-perishable foods. Bags are distributed discreetly to students identified as at risk of hunger by school principals, administrators, staff, and parent liaisons.
How The Kids Weekend Meals Program Works (in Three Easy Steps)Â
Identification of Need
School staff work closely with the Food Bank to identify children who may be facing food insecurity. These students are often enrolled in free or reduced meal programs and are known to struggle with access to food at home.
Food Distribution
Every Friday, gallon-sized Ziploc bags filled with food are discreetly distributed to these students by being put into the child’s personal backpack by their teacher, ensuring they have meals over the weekend when school-provided breakfasts and lunches are unavailable.
Discreet and Dignified Support
The distribution process is handled in a way that ensures children feel no embarrassment about receiving help. Schools work hard to make sure participation in the program is kept private, removing any potential stigma.
Foods provided are designed to be kid-friendly, non-perishable, and easy to prepare. Examples include single-serving cereals, canned meals, snacks, and fruit cups. The goal is to make sure children have enough food to carry them through the weekend until they can access school meals again. For more information, contact Anna Celum at 361-578-0591 or anna@tfbgc.org.
Food Bank Resources for Families in Need
The Food Bank of the Golden Crescent is a resource for families in south Texas who are struggling to feed children. For families facing difficulties with finances, knowing that their children will have access to food offers relief. The program’s impact goes beyond just feeding kids because it creates a safety net for families in the region who might not have other options. With community help, the Food Bank helps children receive the support they need without overwhelming families.
How You Can Help
If you're looking for a way to help fight child hunger in the Golden Crescent, consider making a donation to the Food Bank. Every dollar helps, and a $200 donation provides a child with weekend food for an entire school year.Â
No Child Should Go Hungry
The Food Bank of the Golden Crescent is committed to making sure that children in need have access to reliable nutrition, even when they’re not at school. Our Kids Weekend Meals Program is a lifeline for families and children who need it the most and we are proud to provide this resource to communities.
To learn more about the Kids Weekend Meals Program, contact Program Administrator Anna Celum at anna@tfbgc.org or 361-578-0591. Together, we can move mountains in helping fight child hunger in Texas.
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