Five ways you can support a happier, healthier school year

Some parents shed a tear, while others are breathing a sigh of relief this week as kids head back to school and into a welcome daily routine.

But for many of our clients with children, that relief is a little deeper. They know their children are going back to free or reduced-price school meals this week. They know they’ll have a break from the extra expenses like childcare, transportation and utilities that strain their grocery budgets during the summer.

With all the promise the new school year brings, we can’t forget the many who still struggle. Nearly 46,000 Central Texans—a third of them children—will need help from the Food Bank this week.

Support a hunger for learning, not a hunger for food, this school year with these five tips:

1. Volunteer at the Food Bank. Right now, we’re in great need of volunteers to inspect and prepare food donations to be distributed to families facing hunger. We also need volunteers to help out at mobile food pantry sites, perform administrative tasks and assist with CHOICES nutrition classes. Learn about all our volunteer opportunities online here.
2. Enjoy an event that benefits the Food Bank. More than 1,000 events support our efforts to end hunger in Central Texas each year. Learn about upcoming events here, and don’t forget to enter our Sizzlin’ Summer Raffle for a chance to win one of three prize packages valued at over $1,000 each.
3. Donate food and funds. From cash to canned goods to fresh farm produce, every donation makes a difference.  We welcome financial donations in many forms, and our food donation programs help fight food waste as well as hunger.
4. Support good choices. The Food Bank, more than 300 Partner Agencies in Central Texas and public programs like SNAP (food stamps) support families with food resources so they can make better choices at mealtime. Spread the word, and encourage your community to use these resources. After all, a well-fed community is a healthy community.
5. Talk about hunger issues in your social networks—virtual and real life. Share your knowledge about hunger in Central Texas with your colleagues, congregation, professional group and friends. Remember, September is Hunger Action Month. Learn about the many ways you can take action and help spread the word at austinfoodbank.org/ham.