In Central Texas, a quiet but powerful nonprofit is making a difference in the lives of students facing food insecurity. Hope Austin, founded in 2016 by Monica von Waaden, delivers meal kits directly to schools. This approach keeps the work of volunteers low-key and respects the dignity of the children they serve.
Many students leave for weekends without enough food. Von Waaden emphasizes the importance of remaining anonymous in their work to preserve students’ dignity. “We’re an organization that feeds hungry children,” she says, “and being anonymous is part of our mission.”
Initially, Hope Austin served a small group of middle school students in Round Rock ISD, but now it reaches around 5,200 students weekly across 117 schools. They cater to those who qualify for free or reduced lunch but also help students who don’t fit these criteria but still experience food insecurity. This can be an ongoing issue, showing the broad impact of their services.
A volunteer since the beginning, Karen Esparza, notes that the problem of food insecurity has grown over the years. In Travis County, about 22.9% of children face food insecurity, according to data from the Central Texas Food Bank. She feels compelled to support these kids, saying, “This is the future of the Austin area.”
Hope Austin maintains partnerships with school administrators, counselors, and organizations like Communities in Schools of Central Texas. This teamwork ensures that resources are responsive to the specific needs of each campus. Marivel Gamez, a program manager with CIS, has facilitated the collaboration with Wooten Elementary for eight years, helping families access food despite transportation challenges.
Over the years, Hope Austin has broadened its services. They now offer fresh produce pickups, hot meal deliveries, and support for young mothers dealing with food insecurity. This variety allows them to tackle the issue from multiple angles. “When you’re hungry, you can’t learn,” Von Waaden explains. Securing food can lead to better educational and job opportunities for students.
Additionally, the effects of the pandemic are still impacting food insecurity. A report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture highlighted a significant rise in food hardship among households with children. This underscores how vital organizations like Hope Austin are to communities grappling with these challenges.
As food insecurity continues to affect many families, the work of Hope Austin remains critical. Their mission shows that, through understanding and support, a community can uplift its future generations.
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