Students and families at Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center will now be able to access groceries and other basic needs items daily thanks to the grand opening of their Tiger Market.
This is one of seven brick-and-mortar markets supported by the Houston Food Bank on an HISD campus.
In addition to fresh fruit and produce, canned goods, and protein sources, the space offers students and families the opportunity to obtain uniforms, toiletries, and much more.
Families can also get assistance with forms and accessing other services and resources through Wraparound Services on campus. The daily operations of the Tiger Market will be supported by campus volunteers, including students and members of the campus Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).
“I’m truly grateful to have strong supports and resources and great partners to benefit our students and community,” said Dr. Diego Linares, Principal at Sam Houston MSTC. “Today, we got to serve over 400 families. To know that our students will not have to worry about where their next meal comes from is not only important but necessary as they navigate their academic journey.”
Throughout the years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity has been on the rise in many communities across the nation.
“We know that our students and families have been facing many challenges that the pandemic and its economic impact have exacerbated,” said Dr. Candice Castillo, Executive Officer of Student Support Services. “In HISD, we continue to strive to provide supports and resources to help our students be ready to focus on their academic pursuits because when we have healthy students, we have healthy communities.”
The Houston Food Bank provides an array of services to mitigate food insecurity. In addition, many HISD communities benefit from weekly food distributions, including the ones done through their Backpack Buddy program, where students can take home fresh produce and other non-perishable items weekly.
“This work is not possible without the strong partnership our district has with the Houston Food Bank to ensure our students and families secure food for their household,” said Dr. Uyen Tieu, Executive Director for Wraparound Services. “We are committed to working collectively and collaboratively to support our students and eliminating barriers that hinder their opportunity for success inside and outside the classroom.”
Any HISD student needing non-instructional support can reach out by completing a Student Assistance Form (SAF) available at www.HoustonISD.org/SAF. Anyone, including teachers, staff, family, or community members, can also make a request for HISD students through the SAF form.