March 1, 2022 – San Antonio ISD today was officially named as a national Spotlight District by No Kid Hungry, a campaign by the national non-profit Share Our Strength. SAISD is the third school district in the nation and the first school district in Texas to be acknowledged as an exemplary model for this campaign. 

As a Spotlight District, SAISD’s story will be shared through the campaign from the perspectives of its students and educators. Media assets will be created so that the district’s practices to combat childhood hunger can be shared nationally with other school districts and on social media platforms. SAISD’s Child Nutrition Services Department will also receive a $30,000 grant.

“It is such an honor to be recognized in the No Kid Hungry campaign as a spotlight school district,” said Jenny Arredondo, senior executive director of SAISD’s Child Nutrition Services Department. “We are passionate and dedicated to providing meals to our students, especially during the pandemic when they needed us the most!”

Noting the connection between hunger and school performance, Arredondo said, “We constantly strive to improve our services and promote healthy students who can succeed in the classroom.” 

In its selection of SAISD, the No Kid Hungry Campaign noted the district’s free breakfast and lunch program for all students, and its extensive efforts to innovate during a global pandemic by continuing to serve thousands of meals to students when schools and businesses were forced to close in 2020.

“School meals are a critical lifeline for many families facing hardship and uncertainty. San Antonio ISD is a team of true problem solvers, ensuring kids can count on those meals in good times and in times of crisis,” said Franco Cruz, No Kid Hungry Texas Senior Manager. “We’re proud to be their partners on this important mission and couldn’t be more excited to showcase their hard work and innovative spirit nationally.”

No Kid Hungry is a national campaign to end childhood hunger in America. In Texas, No Kid Hungry works with schools, local nonprofits and elected leaders to help launch and improve programs that ensure all kids get the healthy food they need. Through grants, advocacy work and efforts to increase awareness, No Kid Hungry Texas has helped connect millions of children across the state with nutritious food.