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Community Impact

Summer Family Nutrition Program: A Healthy Resonance

School is out, leaving only thoughts of summer play in the minds of children while thoughts of concern for their well-being linger in the minds of parents. During the summer months, families struggle with financial security and providing their children with nutritious food. Daily school meals helped parents in spring and fall, but summer remains a barrier to overcome.

El Buen Samaritano helps fill this summer hole with hope, less stress and refuge for families by working together with the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas on a new summer initiative, the Summer Family Nutrition Program.

The Summer Family Nutrition Program provides free Family Food Boxes to low-income families with children during the summer months. This year marks the inauguration of the program. The program will be available to families at El Buen Samaritano’s Food Pantry the first Friday of every month, from June through September. Each family will receive two 25-pound Family Food Boxes every month. The boxes include nutritious food such as rice, beans, canned fruit, canned vegetables, peanut butter, cereal, canned tuna and soup. Families will also receive nutrition information on how to prepare healthy, low-cost meals. Other information on Healthy Living and Human Services at El Buen Samaritano will be offered as well.

"This program has helped me immensely during these summer months that I am not able to work,” said with appreciation program participant Carla Mercias in her second visit to the Summer Family Nutrition Program with her two children. Her two children happily gathered around her to help carry two food boxes to their car.

Reaching out to these children and their parents with food and available resources not only serves them nutritionally, but also psychologically. “Every child can have strength of mind as long as they are healthy,” said intern Sable Galindo, a Texas State University student. At El Buen Samaritano's Food Pantry, Sable registers qualifying families. “Giving children nutritious food in the summer will fortify their learning abilities in the upcoming fall school year.”

The Summer Family Nutrition Program can alleviate families from hunger during the summer which will keep our community thriving in health and wellness. The program also gives families a way to connect with other families and the community.

"So many different families come through, each with their own memorable story,” Sable said. “It’s amazing how one can connect with another person so strongly in just 15 or 20 minutes. It's a moving experience to be here.”

For information on the Summer Family Nutrition Program, contact Human Services Manager LaVerne Rodriguez.