Tag Archives: houston food bank

Backpack Buddy program helps fill weekend ‘food gap’

HISD Nutrition Services and the Houston Food Bank have been working together since 2014 to deliver extra food to needy students through the latter’s “Backpack Buddy” program. Its goal is to fill the food gap that exists at certain students’ homes over the weekends. Last year, about 89 schools participated. This year, that number has increased to 101, making this partnership a lifeline for disadvantaged HISD students.

“It’s really sad,” said HISD Dietitian Nan Cramer. “We have children who come in Monday morning starving because their last meal was the previous Friday afternoon in school.”

The district recently received its first 25 pallets of food for distribution. And last Friday, students at participating campuses were discreetly issued their food sacks, so that they could enjoy healthy, nourishing meals even after school hours. Continue reading →

Students dedicate time and money to Houston Food Bank

Students from Patrick Henry Middle School contributed to the fight against hunger on May 21 by volunteering at the Houston Food Bank, where they spent the day organizing and packaging food.

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Organizations team up to provide fresh produce to HISD students in ‘food desert’

Lantrip families benefit from Houston Food Bank, Texas Children’s Hospital, UT School of Public Health

Lantrip Elementary will have a long line outside their building Wednesday, full of students waiting to collect their fruit and vegetables. Yes, fruit and vegetables. A collaborative effort between the Houston Food Bank, Texas Children’s Hospital, and the University of Texas School of Public Health is providing students at several HISD schools access to fresh produce throughout the school year.

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HISD Names Outstanding Hall of Fame Partners During Annual Appreciation Breakfast

The Houston Independent School District paid tribute on Friday to four of its long-standing, dedicated partners during the Annual Partnership Appreciation Breakfast.

The Houston Astros, Houston Food Bank, IPAA/PESA Education Center and Target each received a 2013 Hall of Fame award for their exemplary service to HISD students. The award is presented to businesses and organizations that have an impact on multiple schools and serve as a model for other partnerships.

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HISD Business and Community Partners Recognized by the Texas Association of Partners in Education

Nine Houston ISD business and community partners, Volunteers in Public Schools volunteer George W. Black, and HISD’s State of the Schools event were recently recognized by the Texas Association of Partners in Education.

The winners were announced last week at the Texas Association of School Administrators’ Midwinter Conference and Education Expo in Austin. HISD’s partnership with the Houston Food Bank was one of two partnerships that received the highest honors in all categories.

HISD Strategic Partnership General Manager Caleen Allen said HISD is very proud of its partners for being recognized on the state level.  “Their commitment to the district and increasing student achievement is undeniable,” said Allen. “The knowledge, resources and innovative programs they bring to the district continue to make a major difference academically and socially in the lives of our children.”

The Texas Association of Partners in Education provides leadership and expertise for schools, families, businesses, and communities to build partnerships that enhance student success.

Here is a list of the winners:

TAPE Community Partnership Awards

  • Academic Impact:                 Prepared 4 Life
  • Career Education:                  City of Houston
  • STEM:                                          Bernard Harris Foundation
  • Health                                         Houston Food Bank
  • Art                                                Houston Ballet

TAPE Business Partnership Awards

  • Career Education                    Port of Houston Authority
  • STEM                                            Comcast

TAPE Partnership Awards

  • Mentor                                        Steed Media Group (Rolling Out)
  • Volunteer                                  Target

TAPE Special Events Award

  • Special Event                            State of the Schools

TAPE Individual Volunteer Award

  • Wisdom                                      George W. Black

23,000 Backpacks, 2,500 Uniforms: Back to School Fest, By the Numbers

HISD partnered with the City of Houston to host the Back to School Fest on August 11that Reliant Center. Here’s a look at the event and its impact:

  • More than 40,000 students and their families attended the event
  • 40 sponsors and 33 in-kind sponsors
  • An estimated 500 immunizations were administered to children
  • More than 500 individuals volunteered for this event
  • The event showcased 100 exhibitors
  • More than 23,000 backpacks with school supplies were distributed
  • 2,500 uniforms and 725 uniform vouchers were distributed
  • 52,049 pounds of food were distributed by the Houston Food Bank
  • 12 organizations/companies hosted school supply drives to support the Back To School Fest
  • 8,000 socks and underwear for children were distributed