September 2021 Newsletter
Greetings!

Have you ever struggled to focus on a task when you're hungry? Can you imagine a child trying to learn in school when they aren't getting enough to eat or dreading summer break because it means they won't get the food they need? Half of the students in Cy-Fair ISD qualify for free-and-reduced lunch and experience this type of food insecurity on a regular basis. That's why Cy-Hope partnered with the Houston Food Bank to provide the Backpack Program in Cy-Fair ISD. This program has grown from serving two schools and 80 students to over 50 schools and 750 students each week. Read on to learn more about how we can work together to make sure kids in our community get the food they need to learn and thrive!
SPOTLIGHT ON BACKPACK PROGRAM
A Backpack Program driver, Greg Smith, picked up his food at Cy-Hope in 2013. He had a small car crammed full of food. He drove through Starbucks on the way to deliver to two schools. The barista asked – "Are you with Cy-Hope?" He responded "Yes." The barista said, "Thank you so much – my child receives food at Bane – and it gets us through the weekends and is so appreciated!" Read more about how Cy-Hope continues to fight hunger in our community, including a new food locker for older students.
BACKPACK BARN CREW
This amazing group of nine men help our Program Director, Jennifer Palomo, keep the Backpack Program running smoothly. Many started volunteering for this program when it first started in 2011! In addition to our Backpack Barn Crew, Cy-Hope relies on volunteers to bag the food and deliver the bags to participating schools every week. We could not serve as many kids as we do without these volunteers and the in-kind donations of food we get throughout the school year from our partner, the Houston Food Bank.
DONATE, BAG, OR DELIVER?
Want to help keep our Cy-Fair ISD students fed and ready to learn?

Donating to the Backpack program always helps us get food to hungry kids. We also need volunteers to sign up for food bagging days. Or, email us to find out more about serving as a Backpack driver.
CY-HOPE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HONORED AS MOST-ADMIRED CEO
Join Cy-Hope Board and Staff as we congratulate our Executive Director, Lynda Zelenka, for her award by the Houston Business Journal with their Most Admired CEO Award. Read more to learn about Lynda and all of this year's deserving honorees.
  • Our Community Thrives donors for contributing over $25,000 toward our Longhorn Hope Center trailer!
  • Cy-Fair ISD for letting us be a part of New Staff Orientation.
  • Kendra Scott, our National Nonprofit Day partner.
  • Sneha and Suhas, and your generous community for your Hope Center donations.
  • Heather with Halo for our sweet goodie bags.