West Texas Schools and Food Banks Join Forces to Fight Student Hunger

Hunger is increasingly affecting students in West Texas, prompting schools to team up with local organizations to ensure children can focus on learning.

The South Plains Food Bank collaborates with groups like Communities in Schools (CIS) to provide food support at campuses. CIS identifies students in need and places trained site coordinators at 87 schools across the region.

“I think often about the fact a cup of noodles can change a student’s entire day,” Amanda Graham, Chief Growth Officer for CIS told KCBD News. Coordinators also connect with families to understand broader challenges beyond hunger.

Chase Head, Chief Development Officer for the South Plains Food Bank, said maintaining mobile food programs is costly. “Children are our future… it’s about 2,500 dollars every time we take [the mobile market] out,” he said. “A lot of this is coming straight from donations.”

By combining resources and outreach, these partnerships create consistent access to food, reduce stress for families, and support students’ ability to learn and participate in school activities.

“A lot of families are working really hard and they’re still not able to make ends meet,” Graham said. “We want to alleviate that stress and burden at home, when we can.”

Those interested in supporting local students can learn more about donation opportunities through the South Plains Food Bank website and Communities in Schools page.