LOCKHART, Texas — Many families are struggling to put food on the table in Central Texas, and that includes Caldwell County.
More than 20% of children are facing food insecurity in the county. That number jumps even higher at Plum Creek Elementary where more than 80% of children rely on free or reduced meals.
With that big of a need in partnership with the Central Texas Food Bank, H-E-B, and the Lockhart Independent School District, a food pantry is now open at the the elementary school.
“Not only feed the students of the school but ensure their families they have the nutrition they need as well,” Central Texas Food Bank CEO Sari Vatske said.
The food bank and H-E-B provide everything from meat to pasta and canned goods.
“Our goal is to provide 30 meals per month per household,” Vatske said.
Kristy Jackson, a single mother of seven, lives in Lockhart with a son at Plum Creek Elementary. She works at a lawn care business and said it’s tough to put food on the table for her family with high cost of living in Central Texas.
“We struggle day to day, what can we get to feed a family of seven that going to going to cost us cost us under $10,” Jackson said.
Jackson said she’ll take advantage of the pantry.
“I think it will not only me but a lot of the other parents who struggle day to day to see what their kids are going to eat for dinner.”
Principal Jamee Griebel said they had a soft opening of the pantry a couple weeks ago. She said she’s already seen it have a huge impact.
“Families have smiles on their faces knowing I am going home and going to be fully fed. I don’t have to worry about that, just them coming in the door every morning, more energized, excited and happy, and ready to learn that’s what we are here for,” Griebel said.
The district said the pantry is currently for Plum Creek students and their families. They are hoping to expand it the Lockhart community down the line.