School districts address food insecurity and foster resilience

More than 1 in 8 U.S. households are “food insecure,” meaning they do not have access to enough quality food to meet their basic needs, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The 7 million-plus children in these homes are more likely to experience poor health and absenteeism, and typically score lower in math and reading.

Pushing back

In North Texas, schools are taking action. The nonprofit health system Texas Health Resources is working with school districts to secure grants and provide food to families through grocery markets, supported largely by community and corporate donations.

One such initiative is THRIVE, launched in 2019 at Linda Tutt High School in Sanger, Texas. The program has since expanded to six North Texas schools, with a seventh market expected to open soon.

“I think the most exciting part is that it’s not just food insecurity. We’re definitely dealing with that for the grocery store, but it’s that resiliency program,” said Marsha Ingle, senior director of community health improvement at Texas Health Resources. 

“What we’re hearing from the teachers, what we’re hearing from the administrators, is that our behavior is better. And that’s the really exciting thing that the kids are seeing. There’s a better way to do things. There’s a better way to handle stress,” Ingle told SAN. “We can’t eliminate all stress, but we can teach you how to handle it in a proactive way instead of a destructive way.”

Seeing changes

Alisha Odom of Fort Worth, Texas, told SAN that she has noticed dramatic changes in her son Brandon since he began participating in the program at O.D. Wyatt High School. Brandon, a sophomore, earns vouchers based on his grades and behavior. He delivers those vouchers to his mother to spend at the school grocery store. 

For Alisha Odom, it’s a massive burden lifted. For Brandon, it’s a point of pride. 

“There has been a dramatic change with him being here, and he’s been a part of this program,” Alisha Odom told SAN. “He’s literally blowing my mind right now. So, I’m very, very proud of him.”

She is also relieved, knowing where her family’s next meal will come from and that her children won’t go hungry.

“You know, mom,” Brandon Odom tells his mother, “That’s not going to happen to me. I’m going to be fine. I’m going to be OK.”

Community and corporate donations play a significant role in sustaining these programs, helping ensure that families have access to food and resources that build long-term resilience and well-being.