Houston Food Bank’s Kids Cafe Fills in Nutrition Gaps

After graduating from Memorial High School in Houston, Cole Hranicky enrolled at Texas Tech University to study finance. Always active in service to his community, he received a public commendation for his work to aid first responders and residents in the wake of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. In addition, Cole Hranicky has volunteered with organizations like the Houston Food Bank.

Houston Food Bank is a nonprofit that provides people of all ages with food and other much-needed services that include social service application assistance and culinary arts job training. The food bank also supports a vibrant Kids Cafe program.

Almost 25 percent of youth under age 18 in the Houston area live in food-insecure households. Pediatricians know that, without proper nutrition, children and teens are at risk for a range of physical, mental, and behavioral conditions, sometimes with lifelong negative consequences.

Through the Kids Cafe, the Food Bank offers healthy meals and snacks to young people at southeast Texas daycare, summer care, and after-school programs year-round. These meals fill in the nutritional gaps for the many youths who regularly experience hunger. The program does not require ID or program enrollment.

All Kids Cafe meals provide a balanced diet. Each one includes servings of vegetables, fruit, whole grain and protein items, and milk. Any community organizations interested in becoming a Kids Cafe site can apply to the organization’s website.

How Young People Can Benefit from Church Youth Groups

Business major Cole Hranicky has worked with youth ministries for Chapelwood United Methodist Church and the Christian organization Young Life. In these roles, Cole Hranicky led community service activities and facilitated Bible study groups.

Youth ministry groups encourage adolescents to deepen their faith and get involved in their community. Participating in church youth programs offer young people the following benefits:

- New friendships. Teens can meet others who have the same values and beliefs, which can serve as a strong foundation for meaningful friendships. Friends who have met in church groups are less likely to pressure their peers into behaviors that contradict their faith.

- Mentors. Youth groups are often led by older teens or adults who are committed to acting as role models for young people. Youth ministry volunteers help teens navigate common issues in ways that reflect Christian principles.

- Community-mindedness. Youth groups often organize mission trips that help people in difficult situations. Young people who participate in community service are more likely to continue helping others throughout their lives.