The Courier of Montgomery County reports that Montgomery County Food Bank President and CEO Kristine Marlow is aware that this is a costly time of the year for families faced with back-to-school expenses.
She said inflation and the price of goods and groceries can really affect a family’s budget. She added that emergencies that come up, as well as vehicle repair expenses can be a difficult economic burden. She said local families are coming to the food bank and their partners to help alleviate the lack of funds.
The food bank, and those who are its volunteers, also play an active part in area schools.
The organization helps out families and students in four ways:
–Mobile food distribution markets are hosted at schools. They are implemented at campuses with high economically disadvantaged student groups. They’re referred to as Title I campuses. Usually held at the parking lot of a school–it is a drive-through effort. There are several held a month at schools around the county. H-E-B, in a partnership with Conroe ISD, in July, was able to take care of 1,000 families with their students going back to school. At each mobile market, Marlow estimates 150 to 200 families are served.
–At county intermediate, junior high and high schools, in 2022-23, the food bank also lent support at 21 food pantries. Last year, over 7,000 students got help. In December, at Conroe’s Travis Intermediate School, a larger new pantry funded by Amazon was opened.
–There is a backpack food assistance program that elementary students like. The kids are provided food assistance during the weekend. They get a backpack that has easy to eat food that is high in nutrition. By way of a partnership with Amazon, 1,300 students a week get backpacks at 48 schools.
–Amy Gentry is the food bank’s nutrition educator. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program eligible residents of Montgomery County can get free cooking and nutrition classes. They have a number of classes available for all ages.
