Spring Hill ISD Launches Fundraiser to Combat Student Hunger

In a proactive response to increasing food insecurity, Spring Hill Independent School District (ISD) has initiated a fundraiser aimed at supporting its Backpack Program, which provides essential meals to students during weekends and extended holiday breaks. Established nearly twelve years ago, the program addresses a critical need for many students who rely on school meals as their primary source of nutrition.

The Backpack Program distributes bags filled with nonperishable food items to over 90 students each weekend. Items include essentials such as macaroni and cheese, granola bars, and canned vegetables. As the need for assistance has surged, particularly over the past two years, district officials are urging community members and local businesses to contribute to the program’s financial sustainability.

Taylor Clark, the district’s coordinator of curriculum and special programs, noted the alarming growth in students requiring assistance. “Our need really wasn’t what it is now,” she stated, emphasizing the urgency for increased support. With the rising cost of food and a recent pause on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, many families face heightened challenges in securing adequate nutrition.

Community Support and Program Evolution

As the program has expanded, it has also evolved beyond just providing food. The school’s nurses and counselors are now also addressing additional needs, such as hygiene and feminine products. Emily Holmes, the district nurse, remarked on the program’s positive reception: “There was a time when kids felt some embarrassment. We’ve built relationships, and I think they can acknowledge the need, and that’s OK.”

Counselors like Lauren Smith have observed that students from single-parent households or those lacking transportation often require more assistance. She underscored the importance of stepping in to fill the gaps left by larger systemic issues, stating, “We want to step in and help in that gap.”

The East Texas Food Bank, which initially assisted in establishing the program, has played a crucial role in its success. However, the program is not funded by Spring Hill ISD’s budget, which is already allocated to provide free and reduced lunches. Instead, it has thrived on community donations and support.

Call to Action for Community Involvement

In light of the increased demand, Clark highlighted the necessity of raising additional funds to maintain the program’s operations. Previous fundraising efforts, such as T-shirt sales and food drives, have proven insufficient as the need has outpaced available resources. “We need more funds to be able to keep it going and to give the kids what they need,” Clark added.

The program not only benefits students receiving the backpacks but also engages high school students in its operations. In Jamie McFaul’s life skills class, students learn valuable skills by participating in the packing and delivery of the bags. “They’re getting to work, and so they feel like they’re doing something,” McFaul remarked.

Community members interested in supporting the Backpack Program can reach out to Taylor Clark via email at [email protected] or by calling the Spring Hill ISD Administration Office at (903) 759-4404. Donations can also be made online at tinyurl.com/springhillbackpacks.

As Spring Hill ISD continues to address the pressing issue of student hunger, the community’s involvement remains crucial in ensuring that every child has access to nutritious food, particularly during critical times when they are not at school.