Fighting Hunger, One Bag at a Time
Earlene Pike and her daughter, Nikki Thompson, are part of a dedicated team in Arlington, Texas, working hard to fight child hunger through a nonprofit called New Day Arlington. Each week, they gather at Westminster Presbyterian Church, packing bags full of food for students in need.
They fill bags with items like Chef Boyardee ravioli, Vienna sausages, and ramen noodles. Each bag is carefully packed and labeled, ready to be delivered to local schools. This effort helps Arlington ISD students who face food insecurity on weekends when free meals aren’t available.
Every Saturday, volunteers spend at least an hour packing these essential food bags. On Thursdays, they deliver the filled bins to schools. “Just knowing that kids are going to get the food motivates me,” says Nikki, who has witnessed firsthand the joy the food brings to students.
Why This Matters
Food insecurity affects many American families. In 2023, around 18% of households with children faced this issue, and in Tarrant County, it was about 15.6%. Cynthia Ward, a social worker at Lamar High School, explains how hunger impacts students. It can lead to difficulties in concentrating and even behavioral issues.
The work of New Day Arlington fills critical gaps in resources. For instance, Ward recalls a time when three siblings needed help after their mother was deported. The food bags became a lifeline for them.
Last school year, New Day delivered over 28,000 bags. That number shows just how much need there is in the community. The packing centers for New Day include several local churches, such as Grace Presbyterian and St. John the Apostle United Methodist Church.
The People Behind the Mission
Earlene’s journey with New Day began nine years ago when she was invited to help pack bags. “I just hate thinking about people going hungry, especially kids,” she shares. Nikki joined her a few years later and continues to dedicate her time and expertise from her role as a learning specialist with Arlington ISD.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of their efforts was particularly evident. Nikki, while filling in as a substitute teacher, saw the excitement in students as they received the food packs. “The kids were so excited,” she remembers. “Getting to actually see that was huge for me.”
Looking Ahead
As they approach winter holidays, Earlene and Nikki aim to provide even more food for students. “If I could, I’d send two or three bags with each kid,” Earlene states, reflecting their commitment to making a difference.
This important work is fully funded through donations and grants, showing that community support is vital in addressing hunger.
Nikki believes volunteering with New Day isn’t just an obligation; it’s deeply fulfilling. “I know this helps where it’s truly needed,” she says. Each bag they pack isn’t just food; it’s hope for the children they serve.
For readers interested in helping those in their community, consider supporting local organizations like New Day Arlington. Together, we can ensure that no child goes hungry.
Source link
#ArlingtonReport,Arlington
