SA Food Bank sends Pre-K 4 SA students into break with bag of fresh produce

Most of program's students qualify for free, reduced lunch program

School's out, but good nutrition is still in!

The San Antonio Food Bank provided bags of fresh produce, sponsored by H-E-B, to the families of Pre-K 4 SA students Friday.

They didn't come wrapped in bright paper, but the bags of fruits and veggies are just as much a gift as what's under the Christmas tree.

"Due to economics, it's sometimes hard to get to the produce department," said Paul Kienlen, the assistant director at the program's East Education Center.

Many of the program's 2,000 students qualify for the National Free and Reduced Lunch Program, and Kienlen said meals at the school are healthy and have fruits and vegetables. With the help of the bags handed out Friday, their meals at home over the break can have some fresh produce, too.

"So we've got pineapples and grapes and plantains and all kinds of things that can go into that holiday meal," said Susan Filyk, San Antonio Food Bank communications manager.

Even families who said they aren't on free or reduced-price lunch said food still comes in handy.

"It'll help me provide for them, create some interesting meals altogether for the whole family and get them involved," said Amber Pearson, as she picked up her daughter.

The students at all four Pre-K 4 SA locations got bags, but they aren't the only people who need help. Filyk said the San Antonio Food Bank feeds 58,000 people a week, and hunger doesn't take holidays.

"In South Texas, 1 in 4 children, 1 in 5 families face insecurity in food. So we are here 365 days a year to help out these families in South Texas," Filyk said.

That includes the days of winter break.


About the Author:

Garrett Brnger is a reporter with KSAT 12.