According to Frisco Fastpacs Executive Director Heather Canterbury,
“Imagine a child who depends entirely on school lunches for their meals, arriving at class each day with an empty stomach and uncertainty about their next meal. Hunger is a pressing issue that leads many students to struggle to focus and learn. No child should have to face that alone. In the Frisco Independent School District, which has 66,701 students, 14.51% are economically disadvantaged—equating to 9,672 students at risk of food insecurity right here in our community.
“Frisco Fastpacs addresses this issue by providing nutritious weekend meals to children in need, ensuring they don’t go hungry when school is not in session. In a world where food insecurity affects so many, Frisco Fastpacs strives to make a difference. We foster hope, boost confidence, and promote well-being, empowering students to focus on their education and dreams rather than their hunger. Since our inception, Fastpacs has grown from serving one school and 35 children to supporting over 1,200 students weekly across our entire school district, with demand continuing to rise.
“The support from Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has been crucial in raising over $139,000 in the past seven years, enabling us to maintain and expand our essential services in Frisco, Texas.
“The significance of North Texas Giving Day and the generosity of our donors is immeasurable. Their contributions have allowed Frisco Fastpacs to create a supportive environment for our children, ensuring that every child in need receives our assistance and creating a vital safety net. We have proudly provided meals to thousands of students, ensuring they start each week well-nourished and ready to learn.
“Our community of children is diverse, with a wide range of needs and backgrounds. From economic hardships to challenging family situations, each individual finds support at Frisco Fastpacs. In the 2023-2024 school year, we provided 150,416 meals and 79,875 snacks to food-insecure children in Frisco ISD, from elementary to high school. We ensure our services meet a variety of needs, offering nutritious, kid-friendly meals so no child goes hungry over the weekend.
“The benefits of our programs extend beyond the students, providing much-needed peace of mind for their families and caregivers. Through our dedicated volunteers and generous donors, we assure that every student receives the resources they need. Donations made on North Texas Giving Day directly support our efforts, allowing us to continue delivering meals that make a lasting difference.
“At Frisco Fastpacs, we tackle the challenge of child hunger and work to dismantle the barriers it creates. Join us in our mission to provide care and drive change, and together, let’s make a significant impact on the lives of the children who need it most.”
Visit us at www.friscofastpacs.org to learn more and support our mission.
* Photo credit: Tracy Gamble ** Graphic provided by Frisco Fastpacs *** Photo credit: Kim McGuire
In 15 years, Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $566 million into the North Texas community. In 2023, more than $63.9 million was raised through 97,000 donors benefiting 3,249 area nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 19, support Frisco Fastpacs by clicking here and spreading the word. #NorthTexasGivingDay2024