Children who are hungry cannot learn, therefore Houston Food Bank’s Child Hunger programs work to equip students with both educational resources and appropriate nutrition. To keep the next generation moving forward and prepare them to lead as adults, Shell USA, Inc. generously supports these programs, including Backpack Buddy, School Markets and Food Storage Locker programs. On Friday, February 16, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to kick-off the newest School Market location at Sam Houston High School.
The innovative School Market Program supports student school success, increases family food security, and provides an outlet for community involvement. School Markets are staffed by students who receive training on how to set up products, restock inventory and clean the area after distributions. Besides being an opportunity for practiced leadership for student volunteers, School Markets provide critical nutrition to older students, which results in improved academic success, improved attendance and a healthier community. With the Sam Houston location there will be 51 active school markets, which can serve about 200 families two to four times per month with 35-45 pounds of food per distribution. Learn more about School Markets here.
Shell in the USA has been an important corporate partner and long-term supporter of the Houston Food Bank for more than 30 years, helping us to provide over 13.3 million meals to the Houston community through corporate support, employee giving and matching gifts program. Since 2013, Shell in the USA has provided 6,298 volunteers for 20,539 volunteer hours, the manpower from which is the equivalent of over 1.2 million meals.