Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Child Nutrition Services team prepares thousands of meals in short order

On Monday, March 23, SBISD’s Child Nutrition Services CNS) began a curbside pick-up service to distribute Grab and Go-style breakfast and lunch to children and teens 18 years old or younger.

At this time, the meals are scheduled to continue through April 10 or until further notice. Check here for future distribution schedules and locations.

Food need is high in this crisis across Houston. On March 23, the district gave out 13,000 meals in short order. On March 25, more than 21,000 meals were assembled for distribution to children under 18 in vehicles at six separate sites.

“We’re working like crazy,” says district CNS Director Chris Kamradt. "We’ve been overwhelmed by the sense of Collective Greatness our staff has shown in their efforts to serve our community in this time of need.  These are truly heroic people doing this work."

‘This is big because it’s for all our kids’

Stephanie Jackson, who during normal times is a manager at Spring Branch Elementary School, takes no issue with the work involved in preparing more than 34,000 full breakfast and lunch meals over the past few days.

For many with CNS, Spring Break week came and went with only a few traditional days or hours off. Like everywhere, it’s all about coronavirus related issues and so many sudden changes in plans. Meanwhile, hunger takes no days off.

“To me, this is big because it’s for our kids. We take care of our kids in this community. As long as I know that the kids are taken care of, I’m good,” she said.

On Tuesday, she joined dozens of others at CNS putting breakfast and lunch packs together into white plastic bags. The meals are designed to be safe for pick up and transport without cold refrigeration.

A native of Waelder, Texas, Jackson has worked in SBISD for 24 years. A manager for two years now, she has also served students and staff at Treasure Forest and Cedar Brook elementaries. She has stayed in Spring Branch due to “leaders and leadership” at CNS.

Her own family includes Willie, 19, a Northbrook High graduate, and De’Markus, 11, who attends Cedar Brook Elementary. SBISD’s family to her now in so many ways.

“We’ve never had something like this, or done anything like this before,” she said. “We have wonderful leadership here. They all make sure we all remain safe, and they make sure that we get things done.”

Thank you, Stephanie, and all of the district’s CNS team!