Linking food and literacy in Houston
Houston Link to Learning uses food programming as a great way to teach literacy skills and to provide food for families.
Like many organizations we are really concerned about our vulnerable learners during the COVID-19 crisis. Many of the programs and places they go to access food are shut down except for the food bank.
During these times when we can’t get together, we decided we would put together ‘recipe bags.’ Each bag includes a recipe, instructions and all the ingredients to make the recipe. To keep the cost low and the recipe simple, we chose Shepherd’s Pie for the first bags. We approached our grocery store for help. Our friends at Buy-Low Foods Houston were amazing. They gave us a $300 gift card to put toward the 30 bags. They also put our grocery list together to give us the best deal. Thanks to them, our total cost was just $60.
For families with children three to six years we also gave out craft bags. Vulnerable families may not always have craft supplies on hand, as they are expensive. We had bags with a book, crafts and activities relating to the book, and all the supplies they needed for the craft. We did this in partnership with our Family Resource Centre.
We provided a collection time and place with appropriate social distancing, as well as delivery service for families without vehicles.
Marion Ells
Marion is the Literacy Outreach Coordinator in Houston, BC and the Executive Director at Houston Link to Learning.
Houston Link to Learning is hoping to continue to provide recipe bags bi-weekly but needs support. Go to our Literacy matters more than ever! campaign to donate.
Learn how Project Literacy Central Okanagan is working to provide food in an urban setting, in this article from Global News.
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