Amid Stark Increase in Food Insecurity , No Kid Hungry Provides $4.5 Million in Grants to Texas Schools, Nonprofits Serving Free Meals

Contact: Johanna Elsemore at jelsemore@strength.org

As 2020 draws to a close, No Kid Hungry announced more than $4.5 million in grants this year to schools and community organizations across the state that are providing free meals for kids during the ongoing pandemic. The investment comes as part of No Kid Hungry’s continuing effort to ensure all children in Texas remain nourished and healthy.

Across America, families are facing unprecedented levels of food insecurity as the coronavirus has led to lost jobs and wages. Right here in Texas, as many as 1 in 3 kids could face hunger this year, a drastic uptick as a result of the pandemic.

“With poverty and food insecurity skyrocketing, school meals are a critical source of nutrition and comfort for students,” said No Kid Hungry Texas Director Stacie Sanchez Hare. “Though many kids are learning virtually, schools have remained a cornerstone of our communities, with hard-working nutrition staff constantly adapting and innovating to make sure their programs are reaching kids with meals during this crisis. We’re so proud to support them.”

These grants from No Kid Hungry help school districts and local organizations with the added staffing and equipment costs required to expand and adapt their programs to meet increased need and operate safely under these unprecedented circumstances. Since March, No Kid Hungry has granted to the following schools and nonprofits: