The Tucson Family Food Project is making strides in addressing food insecurity among students in Tucson, Arizona. Founded by Steven Cota-Robles four years ago, the non-profit organization prepares free meal kits for students, providing essential ingredients and cooking instructions. This initiative has grown from serving 20 children a week to over 200, aiming to ensure that students have nutritious meals over the weekend when school meals are unavailable.
Reflecting on his own childhood experiences with food insecurity, Cota-Robles recalls how his mother often skipped meals to ensure he had enough to eat. “I didn’t realize until I was an adult,” he said, sharing his motivation for starting the project. The meal kits typically include recipes using fresh, seasonal produce, allowing students to learn how to cook while fostering a sense of independence.
Growth and Impact of the Initiative
In just the past year, the Tucson Family Food Project distributed over 9,500 meal kits to students in grades six through eight. Each kit is designed to feed approximately four people, with meals like soups capable of serving up to eight. Cota-Robles emphasizes the importance of nutrition, stating, “When I first started it, my biggest thing that I thought about was the nutrition in the food like calories, protein, things like that.”
Volunteers play a significant role in this initiative, with Mary Lu Breschears, a long-time volunteer, noting that the organization has expanded from just five volunteers to over 50. She highlighted the shared commitment among volunteers to support the community, saying, “People have a common desire to help.” This collaborative spirit not only strengthens the project but also builds lasting friendships among volunteers.
Future Plans and Community Collaboration
With the increasing demand for meal kits, Cota-Robles is currently in discussions with the Tucson Unified School District to enhance the program’s reach. The proposed partnership would provide additional kitchen spaces for preparing meal kits and creating cooking videos. By the end of the school year, he anticipates that the project will be able to feed up to 500 children weekly.
Cota-Robles reflects on the journey of the Tucson Family Food Project, recognizing the significant progress made since its inception. “It’s surreal thinking where we are now to where we were when we started,” he remarked while preparing a meal kit. This initiative not only feeds students but also instills confidence and culinary skills, empowering them to assist their families and communities.
According to Feeding America, over 40,000 children in Pima County currently face food insecurity, underscoring the critical need for programs like the Tucson Family Food Project. As the organization continues to grow and adapt, it remains focused on its mission to provide nutritious meals and inspire self-sufficiency among local youth.
