A recent golfing event at Ross Rogers Golf Course has become a cornerstone for raising vital funds to support the Kids Café initiative under the High Plains Food Bank. This annual gathering, now in its 32nd year, is the sole fundraiser for this crucial meal program. Maribel Sotelo, Director of Kids Café, explains that the funds collected ensure children receive essential meals throughout the academic year and into the summer months. The initiative collaborates with various after-school programs, offering both educational enrichment and nourishment. During the warmer months, these partnerships expand to include other local organizations, ensuring children continue to benefit from engaging activities and nutritious food.
As schools close their doors for the summer, the demand on Kids Café intensifies significantly. According to Sotelo, the organization provides breakfast, lunch, snacks, and evening meals during this period, as some children may lack access to regular meals when not in school. On an average day, the program serves between 1,400 to 1,600 student meals alone, in addition to catering to senior citizens and individuals experiencing homelessness. Partnerships with entities such as the Eastridge Mission Center, Boys and Girls Club, and Humphrey’s Highland Elementary School allow for safe environments where children can participate in sports, tutoring, and other enriching activities while receiving their meals. These collaborations emphasize dignity and learning opportunities alongside food provision, aligning closely with USDA nutritional guidelines and Department of Health regulations.
The success of the meal program relies heavily on fundraising efforts like the golf tournament, which typically raises around $100,000 annually. Beyond direct financial contributions, partnerships through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) further bolster the initiative by connecting children up to age 18—and students with disabilities up to 21—with no-cost, healthy meals during the summer break. Such programs are critical in addressing food insecurity among Texas youth, estimated at nearly two million. With the support of multiple community sites and organizations, including the Warford Activity Center and New Light Ministries, the network continues to grow. Families seeking meal assistance can easily locate nearby resources via phone, web, or text services facilitated by TDA. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of community involvement and resourcefulness in fostering a healthier, more equitable future for all children.
Community collaboration plays a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation. By combining recreational activities, educational support, and nutrition, initiatives like the Kids Café exemplify how collective action can transform lives. As organizations and volunteers unite, they create pathways for children to thrive academically, physically, and emotionally, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their circumstances. Through innovation and commitment, these programs highlight the power of partnership in overcoming challenges and building brighter futures.