Be Part of Something Transformative and
Become a Kids’ Meals Volunteer
Kids’ Meals is a caring nonprofit whose mission is “to end childhood hunger by delivering free healthy meals to the doorsteps of Houston’s hungriest preschool-aged children, and, through collaboration, provide their families with resources to help end the cycle of poverty.” Every day of the year, Kids’ Meals’ volunteers prepare thousands of healthy lunches and deliver them to children enrolled in their program. Kids’ Meals currently serves six Houston-area routes where the need is critical.
It is an unfortunate fact that preschool-aged children often fall through the gap of social services addressing food security, because they can’t access the free-meal programs offered at schools. Kids’ Meals is a first-responder to children ages five years old and under facing debilitating hunger due to extreme poverty. Approximately 2,900 healthy meals are provided daily to these children by Kids’ Meals. The organization doesn’t stop there, however. When school is out, it also delivers healthy meals to every child in these homes up to age 18. On any given week day, up to 4,800 children benefit from Kids’ Meals.
Food insecurity is a terrible problem for many of Houston’s children and its effects can be devastating. Without balanced meals their physical and mental health will suffer, they may develop behavioral issues, and their ability to learn will decrease. The home meal delivery program concept to benefit those without access to proper meals began in the early 1980s. In its current form, Kids’ Meals was created in 2006. Due to the tremendous support the organization receives from its board of directors, advisory board, and community partners it has made great strides toward reaching its goal of ending childhood hunger in Houston.
In order to continue doing this, Kids’ Meals needs a band of enthusiastic volunteers to help its dedicated staff. Many are on board already, but the organization can always use more. If you are looking for a fulfilling experience as a volunteer, there is no better organization to join than Kids’ Meals, and there is no shortage of opportunity.
ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES WITH KIDS’ MEALS
Help Out in the Kitchen: Make sandwiches, pack lunches, make grocery bags, and help out with any other kitchen tasks necessary. Schedule: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Prepare Lunch Packs: Assemble lunch packs from your location. This is a perfect activity for any group, large or small.
Decorate Lunch Bags: Decorate the lunch bags our little ones receive their meals in. This is a perfect activity for school children, youth, seniors, or families.
Be a Volunteer Rider: Volunteer riders must be 19 years of age or older. Ride along to deliver meals and see the children’s faces light up when they receive them. Schedule: Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Be a Volunteer Delivery Driver: Deliver meals to the children’s homes in your own vehicle. Schedule: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
Host a Donation Drive: Collect 100 percent fruit-juice boxes, brown bags, Ziploc bags, canned goods, or healthy snacks.
Be an Online Hunger Advocate: Raise awareness by simply liking/following Kids’ Meals on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram. You can also spread the word about Kids’ Meals’ special events, fundraisers, drives, and much more on social media.
Be an Ambassador of Hope: This is your time to shine. You can help Kids’ Meals by speaking at events to help recruit families/volunteers. Schedule: weekends and evenings.
If you are interested in any of the volunteer opportunities above, please contact: Caroline@kidsmealshouston.org
If you are interested in any of the volunteer opportunities below, please contact:
Run for a Reason: Kids’ Meals is an official charity of the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Half-Marathon. Put a team together and walk/run to feed children.
Be Part of Holiday Hope: Sponsor a family and experience their joy as you share or deliver Christmas gifts.