In the Brazos Valley, many students depend on school meals throughout the academic year. However, during summer breaks, these children often lose access to consistent food sources. To address this issue, local realtors, the Brazos Valley Food Bank, and Kroger collaborated in a friendly competition aimed at ensuring kids don't worry about their next meal over the summer. The event featured realtor groups competing to collect the most donations, which would then stock the food bank's school-based pantry program. This initiative not only highlights the need for community support but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining food supplies during summer months when donations typically decrease.
The challenge took place at a Kroger store where real estate agents set up donation booths. Shoppers were encouraged to purchase "hunger bags" filled with essential pantry items and choose which booth received their contribution. According to Stephanie Ballard, Chairman of the BCS Realtors Give Back committee, one in four children in the region may go without food during summer if the food bank cannot meet the demand. Last year alone, the organization provided over 25 thousand pounds of food to school-age children.
College Station Kroger Assistant Manager Quentin O’Campo reported that the store contributed approximately three tons of food to the cause. Extra staff members were brought in to facilitate the packaging process, create signage, and streamline the donation experience for customers. The competition successfully raised over $2,000, equivalent to roughly 10,500 pounds of food, enough to feed about 59 children daily throughout the summer.
Participants and organizers alike expressed heartfelt gratitude for the community's generosity. One shopper, Melvin Smith, emphasized the significance of helping children who rely on school meals by stating that providing a good meal can make a child’s day brighter. Ebony Knight-Tennell, operations director for the Brazos Valley Food Bank, noted the positive impact of such contributions, enabling families to secure basic needs beyond just dinner.
While the competition has concluded, the food bank continues to seek both food and monetary donations to sustain its mission. Interested individuals can visit the food bank's website to contribute further. Through collective efforts, the community aims to ensure no child goes hungry during the summer months, reinforcing the importance of year-round support for vulnerable populations.