This Hispanic Heritage Month, we pay tribute to all Latinas who dream and work hard to grow, lead and create change for their families and communities.
We honor and celebrate Latinas, trailblazers, stewards of history and practitioners of culture and tradition, who represent a diversity of experiences and cultures, and all share a fierce spirit and love for community.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the contributions of Latinas who are involved in the important work of the No Kid Hungry campaign – feeding our children with a nutritious school breakfast to start their day ready to learn and grow. Below you will find the stories of women from Coalinga-Huron Unified School District in California’s Central Valley. Without them, we couldn’t make No Kid Hungry a reality.
Tina Hernandez, Food Service Assistant, Huron Elementary School
As Food Service Assistant at Huron Elementary School, Tina Hernandez’s role is to prepare school meals and serve them to the students, including cleaning up after meals are done. Hernandez also talks a lot, especially with her kids.
“I do a point of sale, which is where I greet each student as they come through to their lunch line,” said Hernandez. “So I see a lot of kids, and love seeing them get excited about the meal they’re going to get.”
Having attended Huron Elementary as a student herself, Hernandez is excited that the breakfast in the classroom program exists today because it wasn’t available then.
“Every student is getting a meal. It’s a great jumpstart to the day for them. It gets them going for the day because sometimes they don’t have enough time to eat something at home. Breakfast in the classroom puts some parents at ease because they know that their kids are getting a balanced, nutritious meal in the morning.”
Hernandez has seen the difference since the start of the breakfast in the classroom program in terms of serving more kids, resulting in less stressed parents. Hernandez hopes that the program will continue to grow and other schools and communities adopt it, too.
Stephanie Alvarez, Lead Cook, Sunset Elementary School
As the Lead Cook at Sunset Elementary School, Stephanie Alvarez is responsible for running the kitchen – serving a nutritious breakfast to 1,344 students daily.
“Knowing that kids are able to come to school and can eat breakfast and lunch, and not have to worry about their stomachs growling during class – It makes me feel good,” said Alvarez. “Because when you’re not having to focus on your stomach growling, you’re able to succeed in other aspects of life – academics, sports and socially.”
When Alvarez is preparing the food, she’s making it with love! “I want it to taste good, I want it to look good. I don’t want the kids to get something that’s soggy and nasty or cold. I want them to get the food the same way that I would want to get the food.”
Alvarez cooks food that speaks to the hearts and dreams of the students. “I would want hopes and dreams for any girls. I hope they see us in the kitchen and don’t just look at us like, oh, look at these old lunch ladies. I hope they see us and they’re inspired by us. Like you know what, look at these women making a change. I want to be like them. Even if it’s just at the school level. If you want to go higher and become a chef or something else, and go for your dreams. Go for it. I think girls can do anything. [laughs]”
Sophie Phin-Rizo, Principal, Huron Elementary School
Huron is a small city in Fresno County with a population that fluctuates between 5,000 and up to 15,000 due to the harvest season. “We get a lot of migrant workers. We get a lot of migrant students as well that follow the crop,” said Phin-Rizo.
Being a rural agricultural community presents significant challenges, so Phin-Rizo and every staff member at her school wear many hats to ensure students are taken care of and are providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students.
When approached by Chris Kuchman, director of food services, Phin-Rizo was thrilled to launch and pilot the breakfast in the classroom program at Huron Elementary.
“Some parents are up and out and off to work by dusk or dawn. Some parents just don’t have enough time in the morning. Or, we have students who are getting themselves ready in the morning. They’re getting their siblings ready in the morning. Breakfast in the classroom gives the students something to eat, gives them a good start to the day.”
Since launching the program, Phin-Rizo has seen an increase in attendance and focus and a decrease in behavioral issues and nurse visits. “Whether it’s instruction and learning, the program impacts every aspect of the school day for the kids.”
This month we celebrate the contribution of Latinas to our No Kid Hungry campaign – and to every aspect of society. We cannot end childhood hunger and poverty without Latinas. They are already on the frontlines serving meals to kids every day.
Their voices, determination and unstoppable spirits are also essential at the leadership table. The stories from individuals like Tina Hernandez, Stephanie Alvarez, and Sophie Phin-Rizo exemplify how Latinas are driving change in communities all over California. From championing summer meals and breakfast to instilling a sense of belonging through nourishing meals, these women embody what No Kid Hungry is all about. We need more of them at the table.
Last Reviewed: October 4, 2023