In Tucson, Arizona, the Tucson Family Food Project has significantly expanded its efforts to combat food insecurity among students by providing free meal kits. Founded by Steven Cota-Robles four years ago, the non-profit organization has evolved from serving twenty children to now providing meals for over 200 students weekly. This initiative aims to ensure that children have access to nutritious meals, especially on weekends when schools do not provide food.
Cota-Robles, reflecting on his own childhood experiences with food insecurity, created the organization to help others in similar situations. He recalls how his mother often skipped meals to ensure he had enough to eat. “It’s surreal thinking where we are now compared to where we were when we started,” he stated, acknowledging the progress made since the project’s inception. The meal kits contain ingredients for a complete meal, accompanied by instructional videos on YouTube to guide students in cooking.
The meals are designed to be accessible, using fresh, seasonal produce and basic ingredients. Each kit typically feeds about four people, with larger meals, such as soups, capable of serving up to eight. In 2022 alone, the Tucson Family Food Project delivered over 9,500 meal kits to students in sixth through eighth grades, providing them with essential nutrition.
Expanding Reach and Building Community
According to Feeding America, over 40,000 children in Pima County face food insecurity. The Tucson Family Food Project not only aims to alleviate hunger but also seeks to empower students by teaching them cooking skills. “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?’” Cota-Robles remarked. This approach helps instill confidence in children, encouraging them to learn how to care for themselves and potentially assist their families.
The organization has witnessed considerable growth, expanding from just five volunteers to a dedicated team of fifty. Mary Lu Breschears, a long-time volunteer, highlighted the shared commitment among volunteers to support children and families in need. “People have a common desire to help,” she noted, emphasizing the friendships formed within the team.
Cota-Robles is currently in discussions with the Tucson Unified School District to further enhance the program. Plans include utilizing school facilities for cooking and video production, which could enable the organization to reach approximately 500 children each week by the end of the school year. This expansion marks a significant step in addressing food insecurity in the community.
As the Tucson Family Food Project continues to grow, it remains focused on its mission to provide nutritious meals and promote self-sufficiency among students. The impact of this initiative extends beyond immediate hunger relief, fostering a sense of community and empowerment among those it serves.
