LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Hunger among students is becoming a serious issue in West Texas schools. As this problem grows, local schools are teaming up with organizations to make sure kids can concentrate on their studies instead of their empty stomachs.
One key partner in this effort is the South Plains Food Bank, which works closely with Communities in Schools (CIS). This group helps identify students in need of food support.
Amanda Graham, Chief Growth Officer for CIS, highlights how even a simple meal can change a student’s day. “A cup of noodles can really make a difference,” she said.
CIS has placed trained coordinators in 87 schools across the region. These coordinators see firsthand how hunger affects students’ ability to learn and engage in class.
Chase Head, Chief Development Officer of the South Plains Food Bank, points out the costs involved in these programs. “It costs between $200 to $500 to stock a pantry, and taking out the mobile market costs about $2,500 each time,” he said. “We rely heavily on community donations to keep this going.”
These campus food resources offer more than just emergency meals. They allow coordinators to build trust with students and learn more about the challenges their families may face.
“Many families are putting in a lot of effort but still struggle financially,” Graham added. “We want to ease that burden at home, which can directly affect a student’s performance at school.”
The food bank emphasizes the importance of partnerships for successful food distribution. While they can provide food at lower prices, they count on organizations like CIS to connect with students who need help.
“We focus on getting food at low cost, but we rely on partners to identify who needs it,” Head said.
Together, these organizations are creating steady access to food for students, addressing hunger one meal at a time.
Additional Insights
Experts in child nutrition stress that proper meals are vital for cognitive development. A recent study found that well-fed students perform better academically compared to those who face food insecurity.
In today’s digital age, social media plays a role in raising awareness about hunger in schools. Posts and campaigns on platforms like Twitter and Instagram have ignited discussions surrounding food insecurity, prompting local community members to rally support for schools in need.
With such efforts, West Texas is showing that tackling student hunger is a community mission—one that involves everyone pulling together for the future of the children.
For more resources and information about fighting hunger in schools, you can visit the South Plains Food Bank here for further details.
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