FORT WORTH, Texas — After hearing from several families concerned about their school district not providing free meals during spring break, a community leader decided to do something about it, and parents are glad he did.
"I have two children in high school," Theresa Alexander said.
As a mother of teenagers, Alexander knows exactly how tough it can be to keep food on the table. Food at school is important to families like hers.
"School is usually one of their resources to getting food," Alexander said, "So, whenever the breaks come around, usually children are getting a little anxious about what's going to happen."
When it comes to hunger, Texas ranks 2nd in the United States for food insecurity. That's about 1 in every 6 households and adds up to nearly 4 million people needing help with food.
The impact of no food is real for many families during times like spring break time. Even Alexander notices a difference in her children when they don't get to eat.
"When they are hungry there is a little bit of restlessness and less focus," said Alexander.
Unfortunately, money is tight in her school district. Fort Worth ISD sent WFAA a statement responding to not having opportunities for their students during the 2024 spring break.
"We are not currently approved to offer meals on non-school days; therefore, there will be no meals provided during Spring Break," the district said.
Still, some Fort Worth families will be served free meals during spring break at the Handley-Meadowbrook Community Center. But Fort Worth Community Leader Johnny Muhammad says that's not enough. He has teamed up with other local ministers so that more families can avoid hunger when school is out.
"They're going to be getting back with me and letting me know what churches and locations will be prepared to help those families out with some food during the spring break," said Muhammad, "I don't call it food deserts. I call it a food apartheid. So, there are certain communities where our children only get to eat when they come to school."
Muhammad also welcomes volunteers, financial donations, or non-perishable food donations. He also encourages families to always take advantage of the school pantries that seem to be popular in some districts now. But during spring break even that could be a challenge.
"I see a lot of the schools do have the food pantries, but the food pantries will be closed during spring break," said Muhammad.
Alexander wants struggling families to know they're not alone when it comes to fighting hunger.
"Everybody goes through it at some point," said Alexander, "So I would check with the schools first and then maybe check with the local churches in your neighborhood."