Sunday Morning at the Houston Food Bank

By: Vareen Cunningham

Waking two high school boys early on any given day is not an easy task, but today, they popped out of bed without complaint. Maybe it was because they are grateful for all that we have after this latest storm—or maybe it was because it just feels good to help others; something they have learned by doing this in the past. Whatever their reason, I am glad that we got to spend time together and do something to help the community at the same time. On Sunday morning, several Post Oak families took part in the Post Oak School’s Community Service Project at the Houston Food Bank. We were part of a group that packed food boxes which will be distributed to senior citizens.

During our 2.5 hours, we packed 540 boxes of food for seniors. That’s equal to 14,310 meals!  

It’s amazing how much this organization helps the community through Backpack Buddy (food for at-risk children in schools), Community Assistance Program, Kids Cafe (meals served to after-school, child care, and summer meal programs), Nutrition Education and Health Promotion, School Market Program (provides food to students and families), Teachers Aid Program (school supplies in low-income schools), and Senior Box Program. The first time I took my kids to the Houston Food Bank was about seven years ago, and we have continued to return each year.

According to the Houston Food Bank, “Around 1 million people in the 18 southeast Texas counties served by Houston Food Bank are considered food insecure, meaning they lack consistent access to enough nutritious food to fuel a healthy life.”

For those of you with young kids, I strongly encourage you to volunteer with your children. The Food Bank makes it super easy to volunteer, and it’s such a great way for the kids to see how they can make a difference in people’s lives. Furthermore, I feel it’s an opportunity to instill compassion and caring for others together as a family. 

By: Sally Lam

Each of us had done volunteer activities but this was the first time that our family had participated in such an event together. Our super active boy worked extremely hard to not only get his tasks done but to help other people as well. The Post Oak Community is obviously no stranger to teamwork! The day illustrated that by each person putting in their individual effort, we can, as a collective whole, achieve something better back to our society. 

One benefit I saw as an elementary parent was that our son got a chance to mingle with the Post Oak High School volunteers.

It was a great pleasure to see them chatting and laughing together, and of course to meet other Post Oak parents. Our family had already talked about doing it again next time.