McAllen ISD administrator joins group fighting food insecurity

McAllen ISD administrators join advocacy groups fighting food insecurity and showcase district successes with food programs to audiences across the country.

Alexandra Molina, executive director of children’s nutrition and purchasing, is the only individual in the state to be selected as a member of the advocacy group No Kid Hungry 2023 Out of School Time Meals Champion Cohort, a release from the district said.

The group will work next year to raise awareness about summer and after-school meal programs, advise new program sponsors, and develop national practices.

Building on the highly successful work of the first cohort, the group will work to raise awareness of the summer and after-school feeding program over the next year, provide support and expertise to new program sponsors, and collaborate on promising programs. develop and share programs. Practice to providers nationwide.

According to the release, No Kid Hungry will not be sponsoring a visit from Molina with Congressional leaders, USDA and philanthropists.

“I was selected as one of 12 nationally for our work in the after school dinner program and the amazing summer meal program with all our sponsors and school sites,” Molina wrote. increase.

According to the district, Molina’s selection is a testament to the success of the food program at the McAllen ISD.

The district’s after-school dinner program feeds more than 4,600 children at 30 campuses and community partner sites.

The district’s summer program began more than 25 years ago, feeding children in schools, parks, community centers and places of worship.

This selection effectively recognizes the McAllen ISD for its exemplary work to end hunger in their communities through these programs.

The after-school dinner program fed more than 4,600 children after school at all 30 campuses and at community partner sites such as the Lark Community Center, Palmview Community Center and two McAllen Boys and Girls Club Centers. I’m here. It started about 5 years ago.

The Summer Meal Program has been around for over 25 years. Meals are served free to his children up to 18 at multiple McAllen locations, including schools, parks, community centers and places of worship.

Molina shares her experience working with these programs as part of a cohort.

Paige Pokorney, Program Manager, No Kid Hungry Center for Best Practices, said in this release: “These champions work tirelessly to ensure that children have three meals a day each day. I am very excited to work with and learn from these champions over the next 12 months.”