Principal Amy Dill recalls a child two years ago who was caught stealing milk at Houston Elementary School. The child she later discovered was taking the drinks home for a sibling.
Stories like that one are not uncommon at the school, Dill says. She has seen the issue of child hunger firsthand as building supervisor.
“Many parents are trying to choose between paying rent and buying healthy food for their children,” Dill said.
A group of concerned citizens have banned together to tackle the issue in the community. With the cooperation of Dill and the school district, they plan to launch “Blessings in a Backpack” at the beginning of September to aid elementary students who don’t receive enough food during the weekend.
Local organizers spent several months researching and speaking to neighboring communities who provide similar programs, according to Bennie Cook, director of the Texas County Food Pantry.
Cook said elementary teachers would identify the students in their classroom who were not receiving adequate food during the weekend. Based on conversations with Dill and several teachers, Cook said there could be potentially one to three students in each class.
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Houston High School would be responsible for gathering the non-perishable food each week and packing it into brown lunch bags. Those students would then take the bags to the elementary school, where teachers will discretely place the bags of food in students’ backpacks before they leave on Friday.
Cook said food items would include granola bars, fruit and other healthy choices.
“We have the structure in place for the program,” Cook said. “What we’re lacking is the funding.”
Cook said the group has established a goal of $1,000 per month for the program. He said that number should provide food for all the students who need assistance in the entire elementary school. If less than that amount of funding is raised, Cook said the focus may be assisting fewer grade levels.
“We’d like to have 10 businesses, churches, organizations or individuals agree to sponsor $100 per month during the school year to help feed these hungry kids,” said Cook, who is also exploring matching grant options. “We know the need exists and the plan is in place to make it a reality. With 10 sponsorships, we can send food home with children who otherwise may not eat on the weekend.”
Cook said First Baptist Church of Houston has agreed to be one of the monthly sponsors.
“It is amazing to be a part of a community that is willing to step up and help meet the needs of children,” Dill said.
Anyone with questions about the program or able to assist can contact Bennie Cook at 417-967-4484 or tcfpdirector@centurytel.net.