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Students from dozens of HISD schools began gathering canned goods and other non-perishables this week to help fight hunger in Houston through the Souper Bowl of Caring. The annual food drive, which is designed to channel sports enthusiasts’ excitement about professional football into helping the less fortunate, kicked off on Jan. 20, and students have already started collecting donations.
“When I think of hunger, it’s always been in the context of a place far away, like a third-world country that is impoverished,” explained Carnegie Vanguard High School student Christine Huang. “The fact that Souper Bowl of Caring really focuses on the national and local levels is something I’ve never seen before.”
“I’ve known some people personally who have trouble putting food on their table,” added Westside High School student Alvin Chen, who is a member of the SBOC Youth Advisory Board. “That really inspired me to help out.”
Most donations from HISD will go to the Houston Food Bank, but campuses can also select other organizations to receive the food they collect.
“We decided in our leadership meeting to sponsor the Madge Bush Transitional Living Center,” said King Early Childhood Center social worker Renée Mills. “The facility provides housing and client-centered support services to homeless women and their children, and offers a safe environment during a time of crisis.”
The Souper Bowl of Caring lasts until Feb. 7. Organizers have set a goal of raising enough food and money to total $2,016,000 to recognize the 2016 campaign. Meeting the goal would provide 2.75 million meals to meet the rising need for food assistance in the community.
To make a contribution, drop off canned goods or other non-perishable items in the specially marked receptacles at any participating HISD school or the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W. 18th St., 77092).