Nearly 38,000 children in Fort Bend County face the challenge of food insecurity on weekends. This issue has prompted the local nonprofit organization, Lunches of Love, to expand its weekend meal program.
The initiative comes as schools resume classes, and Lunches of Love anticipates an increased demand this academic year. Over 43 percent of Lamar CISD students qualify for free and reduced breakfast and lunch programs.
Liz Ambriz, a volunteer with Lunches of Love, reports a growing need for the program. “The need is great, and it only seems to grow,” she says.
Feeding America reports that around 100,000 residents in Fort Bend County experience food insecurity. Children make up more than one-third of those affected.
Elizabeth Fairfield from Lunches of Love highlights the often-overlooked weekend nutrition gap.
“We notice the need during the summer when kids aren’t in school. But those same kids go back to school, and the weekend remains a challenge,” Fairfield points out.
Rosemary Martinez, a pre-K teacher, notes the impact of hunger on students’ classroom performance. “It’s evident when a child comes in hungry. They’re distracted,” she says. “There’s concern about their well-being over the weekends.”
The organization’s weekend care package program addresses the gap between Friday lunch and Monday breakfast. Last year, Lunches of Love delivered nearly 2,500 weekend care packages to 38 schools in the district.
Denise Hlavaty, a retired Lamar CISD teacher, outlines the issue. “Families have to budget carefully. They know their kids receive breakfast and lunch at school, which strains their resources over the weekend.”
Starting September 3rd, Lunches of Love will distribute weekend packages that include breakfast, lunch, and snacks. The program will run through the last day of school and aims to reach more schools than last year, expanding beyond the 38 previously served. The district has a total of 61 schools.
The success of these hunger relief efforts depends on community support. “Seeing the kids’ excitement when they receive their lunch makes it worthwhile,” Ambriz adds.
For further information, visit the Lunches of Love website.
