Archives > News Update
Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
RSS
Share
Helping end summer hunger: Plano pantry operates six food distribution sites
By Bill Conrad, bconrad@starlocalnews.com
More than 25 percent of children in the Metroplex don't have access to nutritious meals on a regular basis, according to the North Texas Food Bank. While there is no surefire cure to the issue, a local food bank is doing what it can to ensure Plano children don't go hungry this summer.
The Seven Loaves Food Pantry operated by St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, is providing free lunches to children between now and Aug. 24. The meals are distributed at six sites throughout the city Monday through Friday.
"The goal is to serve 80 meals at each site each day," said Kent Bauer, the site manager for the Shawnee Park distribution location. "So far at my site, we have served between 30 and 40. We are still working to let people know we are there. I think Forman serves 80 to 100 each day, but I am sure by July and August each site will be meeting our goal."
"We get a lot of the same kids who come each day," he said. "We get to know the kids. We are not just feeding them, we are creating a friendship with them. We will play with them and color with them. We have some learning activities and will also play with sidewalk chalk or play basketball."
The meals are provided by Dallas-based Twelve Oaks Catering. Bauer said the meals are on a 10-day cycle and contain all five food groups, with meals ranging from chicken wraps to turkey sandwiches and cold cut combos. Children also have their choice of regular or chocolate milk, as well as a handful of different fruit and vegetable options.
The feeding program is open to all children, not just those enrolled in Plano ISD, Bauer said. Children simply need to show up in order to be fed, although all meals must be eaten on site and may not be taken home.
The food distribution sites were chosen because they are near schools that have a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students. The sites include Blue Ridge Park, Shawnee Park, the McCallum Apartments, the Haverwood Apartments, Sigler Elementary and Forman Elementary. While 25 percent of Plano ISD students are economically disadvantaged, the schools near the sites have rates ranging from 45 to 89 percent. If the program reaches its potential, it could distribute more than 43,000 meals during the 12 weeks the sites are open, the organization said.
The food pantry is still in need of volunteers to help man the sites. For information on the program or to inquire about volunteering, visit www.7loavescommunity.org/summerlunch.html.
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
You must register with a valid email to post comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Registered users sign in here:
Become a Registered User
- Return to: News Update «
- Home «
- Top of Page ^
