Twenty meals will save a family of four approximately $200. In a third round of food distributions, Harris County Department of Education Head Start and Early Head Start families receive food boxes at designated Head Start Center locations in northeast Harris County.

The 20 meals of peanut butter, bread, beans, soup, rice, vegetables, fruit, mashed potatoes and grits inside “Because We Care” food boxes are making a difference for 1,350 the HCDE Head Start families.

“We had an estimated 10-plus meals per box in the first round and 20-plus meals per box for a family of four for our second and third distributions,” HCDE Head Start Nutrition Services Manager Sandra Pearson said.

The HCDE Board approved the care package program through an emergency board meeting in March, appropriating $250,000 in funding for food for Head Start families. After distribution No. 3, approximately 17,600 meals have been provided to the families.

Head Start staffs the distribution, and families drive through to receive the care boxes. Students are also given books and summer activities to help with at-home learning.

“We continue to thank the HCDE Board as we complete our third food distribution,” HCDE Head Start Senior Director Venetia Peacock said.

Head Start is currently recruiting Head Start and Early Head Start students for the 2020-2021 school year. Families interested in the no-cost program may call 713-672-9343. For more information, go to www.hcde-texas.org/Head-Start .