The Tucson Family Food Project is actively addressing food insecurity among students by providing free meal kits. Founded by Steven Cota-Robles, the initiative has evolved significantly since its inception four years ago, now serving over 200 children each week. The project aims to ensure that students have nutritious meals, especially during weekends when school-provided meals are unavailable.
Cota-Robles knows firsthand the impact of food insecurity. He recalls his childhood, where his mother often skipped meals to ensure he could eat. This experience motivated him to create a solution for others facing similar challenges. The project began with the simple goal of delivering meal kits, complete with ingredients and cooking instructions, to families in need. Each kit typically allows for the preparation of a meal that can serve four to eight people, depending on the recipe.
Growing Demand and Community Support
In the past year alone, the Tucson Family Food Project distributed over 9,500 meal kits to students in sixth through eighth grades. Cota-Robles emphasizes the educational aspect of the program, stating, “It turns on light switches for kids in their heads that when they make a recipe, they think, ‘if I can do that, what else can I do?’” The project not only provides nourishment but also fosters confidence and self-sufficiency among the students.
Volunteers play a crucial role in the initiative. Mary Lu Breschears, a long-time volunteer, highlights the camaraderie among those involved. “People have a common desire to help,” she remarked, noting the growth of the volunteer team from five to fifty members since the project’s inception. As the organization expands, it aims to create a supportive community around food education and preparation.
According to Feeding America, there are currently over 40,000 children in Pima County experiencing food insecurity. The Tucson Family Food Project seeks to combat this issue by providing not only sustenance but also skills that can be beneficial for the students and their families. Breschears noted that as children learn to cook, they often share their newfound skills with family members, further amplifying the project’s impact.
Future Plans for Expansion
Looking ahead, Cota-Robles is in discussions with the Tucson Unified School District to expand the program’s reach. Plans are underway to utilize district facilities for cooking and filming instructional videos. By the end of the school year, the organization aims to serve approximately 500 kids weekly, significantly increasing its capacity to meet the community’s needs.
Reflecting on the journey, Cota-Robles expressed a sense of accomplishment. “It’s surreal thinking where we are now to where we were when we started,” he said while preparing a meal kit. The Tucson Family Food Project continues to grow, fueled by a commitment to combat food insecurity and empower children in the community.
As this initiative expands, it serves as a reminder of the vital role community support plays in tackling food insecurity. The Tucson Family Food Project not only fills stomachs but also inspires a sense of agency and possibility among young people, fostering a brighter future for all involved.
