One of the ways Capital Area Food Bank seeks to end childhood hunger in Central Texas is through Kids Cafe, an after school program providing meals to low-income children who may not otherwise have access to healthy and balanced nutrition outside of school. We’re excited to announce that we are expanding our Kids Cafe Program and are accepting applications for new host sites now through March 21. Download an application on our website.

Kids Cafes are located at schools and community centers in neighborhoods where typically 7 of every 8 of children are economically disadvantaged, meaning that their annual family income is less than 185% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, the current 185% threshold is approximately $40,000. When parents struggle to make ends meet, providing a consistently healthy dinner can become less of a priority than paying the rent, bills, or meeting basic needs. For these families, Kids Cafe lifts some of the burden.

Kids Cafe is an official program of Feeding America. For more than a decade, CAFB has been operating Kids Cafes. Last year, CAFB provided 35,000 meals to an average of 3,000 children per month from 21 Kids Cafes sites in Central Texas.

We look forward to working with more non-profit community-based organizations to help expand this important and effective program. For more information, please contact Jennifer Taylor at 512-684-2514.

Since they joined the fight against hunger in 2000, Town Lake Chapter of the Links, Inc. has partnered with the Capital Area Food Bank as a Kids Cafe sponsor to help make a difference in the lives of hungry Central Texas children.

Town Lake Chapter of the Links, Inc. is one of the oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. They have a stake in promoting the health of our community and policies that respond to hunger. Their “mind, body, spirit” approach to community outreach has made our sustained partnership successful and has enriched the lives of the children in their care.

With one in four Texas children at risk of hunger, and looming cuts to critical federal nutrition programs such as WIC (Women Infants and Children Program), SNAP (food stamps) and TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program), we appreciate great partnerships that help us nourish hungry children. Thank you, Town Lake Chapter of the Links, Inc!

Learn more about Kids Cafe.

A new report released by Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Susan Combs, “Gaining Costs, Losing Time: The Obesity Crisis in Texas,” reveals obesity cost Texas businesses $9.5 billion in 2009. If current trends in obesity continue, it could cost Texas businesses $32.5 billion from reduced productivity, obesity-related health care, disability and absenteeism.

Texas’ children are also at a disadvantage compared to the rest of the United States. The 2007 national Survey of Children’s Health (nSCH) found that 20.4 percent of Texas children aged 10 to 17 were obese, compared to 16.4 percent of all U.S. children.

In the report, the Comptroller provides recommendations for reducing the obesity crisis in Texas, many of which CAFB supports through programs and advocacy.  However, the recommendation to limit or curb the eligibility of unhealthy food items purchased with SNAP (food stamp) benefits, although a seemingly sensible measure, is a misplaced and probably ineffective means to reduce obesity.

Independent data has yet to confirm that people receiving SNAP benefits are more likely to make worse food choices than those who are not receiving SNAP.  Often it is access to affordable healthy food in low-income neighborhoods and/or the cost of healthier foods relative to other foods such as fast food, that dictates what can be purchased.   And, what should be considered junk food?  Is it soda because of its low nutritional value or should herbal teas or coffee also fall into the category because of their low nutritional value?  In any case, the USDA has been down this road all ready and concluded that restricting food items would be expensive, burdensome and most likely ineffective in reducing obesity.

Let’s remember the harmful effects of the welfare queen myth and not assume that just because someone is poor they are ignorant or unwise. From the Comptroller’s report, it’s clear that obesity is not just a “poor person’s” issue – it’s a Texas-wide issue and it should be treated as such.

The best way to support low-income individuals in making healthy choices is to make those choices affordable, accessible and appealing.  Here’s how we help:

• CAFB’s Kids Cafe program partners with after school programs to promote healthy eating and physical activity by providing healthy nutritious meals to children.
• CAFB’s CHOICES curriculum encourages healthy eating for children and families through hands-on cooking classes and product demonstrations at area pantries.
• CAFB encourages eligible clients to enroll in SNAP and promotes Farmers Markets where they can redeem their benefits.

We hope the Comptroller would consider a “carrots, not sticks” approach to fighting obesity, where SNAP benefits would be worth more when spent on fresh healthy foods instead of limiting choices.

About half of the 591 billion pounds of food produced in America each year is wasted.  Meanwhile, more than 50 million Americans are at risk of hunger.  That might mean going to bed hungry or having to make the choice to either buy food or keep the power on.  Being food insecure is painful, physically, mentally and emotionally.

The Capital Area Food Bank confronts the disparity between hunger and food waste in our community by organizing food pickups from local H-E-Bs, Walmarts, and other grocery stores.  Central Texas Food Rescue coordinator Jessie Curran explains, “Food Banks were founded on the model of matching excess food with hunger relief charities.  Most people understand that the problem of hunger in the US is not due to a shortage of food, but rather people in need not having access to it.  CAFB’s mission in running a Food Rescue program is to provide businesses with a way to reduce waste by donating unsalable, but edible food to the Food Bank.  This is a win-win for everyone; stores reduce their waste costs and increase their employee morale, and much needed food is distributed to people who need it.”

Bryan Bickham of Springfield Farm with CAFB Central Texas Food Rescue Coordinator, Jessie Curran

The program’s newest initiative, Market Harvest, picks up the unsold produce from farmers markets. Although farmers are vigilant about composting their unsold product, they are eager to participate in a program that connects their food to those in need.  The project is being piloted at the Sustainable Food Center’s farmers market at the Triangle on Wednesday evenings.  Participating farmers fill boxes with leftover kale, arugula, peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, persimmons, and more which is then transported to a Food Bank Partner Agency (specifically soup kitchens) to be prepared the following morning.

SFC Farmers' Market

VISTA volunteer Catherine McKinney who builds capacity for CAFB programs Healthy Options for the Elderly (HOPE) and Kids Cafe comments, “People are always asking for fresh produce. In particular, our older adult clients are thrilled when they have the chance to cook fresh produce.”

According to a 2009 study by the Center for Disease Control, only 17 percent of low-income Texans consumed the recommended daily minimum of five or more servings of fruits and vegetables. This consumption is lower than any other income bracket. No wonder that data also shows a higher prevalence of chronic disease such as diabetes and poorer overall health in low-income Texans compared to those in higher income brackets.

Market Harvest participant Bryan Bickham and owner of Springfield Farm says, “We are so happy to give to people who care about people.  The last thing we like to see is food going to waste.”

The Capital Area Food Bank sincerely thanks the Sustainable Food Center and the following local farmers for their partnership in helping nourish our neighbors in need:

Engel Farms

Harvest Time Farm Stand

Lightsey Farms

Milagro Farms

Ottmer’s Family Farm

Springfield Farm

Johnson’s Backyard Garden

Hillside Farms

If you are interested in being a Market Harvest volunteer please email Volunteer Resources Coordinator, Amelia Long, at amelialong@austinfoodbank.org or call 512-684-2551. Click here to view a description of this volunteer position.

Child hunger is a huge problem nationwide and in Central Texas.  Among national child hunger rates, Texas ranks second.  We have an opportunity to intervene and urge our members of the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Healthy and Hunger Free Kids Act (S. 3307).  If passed, this bill will bring millions of new federal dollars to children at risk of hunger in Texas, institute new nutrition standards to fight child obesity, and significantly increase funding for after-school programs such as Kids Cafe.

Now is our chance!  If the Healthy and Hunger Free Kids Act does not pass this year, it may not be addressed for several years.

Please call your member of Congress and urge him/her to pass the Healthy and Hunger Free Kids Act (S. 3307) to help hungry Texas children.  Feeding America has a toll-free number that provides talking points and will connect you to your member of Congress.  The number is (877) 698-8228.

If you have questions, please email Wendy Heiges, Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at wheiges@austinfoodbank.org or directly at (512) 684-2535.

Shop and eat at either Austin-area Whole Foods Market store (Lamar or Gateway) on Wednesday, November 3, when 5% of sales will benefit the Austin Empty Bowl Project – an event benefiting the Capital Area Food Bank’s Kids Cafe program.

You can nourish hungry central Texas children while taking care of your own shopping list and grabbing a bite to eat!

We’ll have information on the Austin Empty Bowl Project (Sunday, November 21), bowls for you to decorate for the event, potters throwing bowls on the wheel, photo opportunities, live music and a free drawing for two Preview Party tickets ($150.00 value). You’ll also see this year’s fabulous quilt by Nancy Elder, as well as sample foods from some of our sponsors.

Bowl decorating at the Lamar store is from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and at Gateway from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. ($5 per bowl.)

Tickets for the quilt drawing are $1 each.

Enter for a chance to win the 2 Preview Party tickets – it’s free to enter! Winners will be announced Nov. 4.

Live Performances at Whole Foods Market – Lamar

7 – 8 a.m.         Woode Wood

10 – 11 a.m.     Idgy Vaughn

11 – noon         Effinghammer

noon – 1 p.m.   Michael O’Connor

1 – 2 p.m.         MilkDrive

2 – 3 p.m.         Warren Hood and the Goods

3 – 4 p.m.         Uncle Lucius

4 – 5 p.m.         Havilah Rand

5 – 7 p.m.         In the Pocket

7 – 8 p.m.         Distant Cousins

Elizabeth, 9, says she would give half to the Boys and Girls Club of South Austin and half to other charities. She lives with her parents and three younger siblings.

She says one of the happiest moments in her life was when she met her father, previously incarcerated, for the first time at the age of four. “As soon as he came home,” she recalls, “he picked me up and twirled me around.”

When we asked her how she likes the food at Kids Cafe, a CAFB sponsored program, she says “It’s yummy! The Food Bank puts a lot of time into delivering it.” If there wasn’t a Kids Cafe, she says “I would feel like they didn’t care about us. I probably wouldn’t come to Boys and Girls Club anymore. They know we’re hungry after school.”

Elizabeth hopes to be a doctor or a nurse someday (her mom is currently training to be a nurse). She’s in elementary school and says she is often hungry during the day. “When I miss breakfast, I’m hungry all day,” she says. “I feel grumpy like the Grouch in the trash can on Sesame Street.”

Can you imagine what it’s like to be food insecure? To not know when or where your next meal will come from? Do you know someone that’s experienced or experiencing hunger? We love to hear your stories. Share your comments with us below.

Alex, 9, is the youngest of five children.  She says she misses her oldest brother who is in Iraq. Her dad builds houses and her mom works at H-E-B.  In her spare time she says she likes to crochet, knit, and make scarves for her friends.

Alex takes the bus from Dawson Elementary to Kids Cafe at the Boys and Girls Club of South Austin five days a week. She says when she goes home after Kids Cafe, she doesn’t eat anything else.

What’s Alex’s favorite part of Kids Cafe? “Eating! And, if you don’t eat healthy, you won’t have enough energy!”

Kids Cafes are safe, nurturing places where neighborhood children can go after school and receive a hot dinner, as well as help with homework from caring individuals. Click here for more information.

CAFB Serenade! This song was written and performed by 11-year-old Dylan Tacker.  Dylan also volunteers at the Food Bank.

Thanks for voting and participating in the “My Meatball and Me” contest.  In the spirit of  “Give a Little, Feed a Lot”, we ask that you share this inspiring video with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and by email.  It’s one more easy way you can help educate the community about hunger.

Will you share Dylan’s message today?

Here’s the winning video one more time:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3PZUOaSZvM&feature=player_embedded]

Our winning contestant will receive five free tickets to the Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs movie screening.

Earlier this week, and as part of Hunger Action Month, we posted a “My Meatball and Me” contest. We received several great entries and narrowed it down to three, so from now through noon on Sept. 9, cast your vote  for your favorite meatball story! Winners will receive five passes to the “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” movie screening. Happy voting!