Hillsboro Nonprofit, Hill County Kids, Addresses Childhood Food Insecurity
A local nonprofit organization in Hillsboro, Texas, named Hill County Kids, is actively working to combat food insecurity among children in the community. Founded by Brandy Adkins and Karen Bush, the organization focuses on ensuring that children do not go hungry, particularly when school is not in session, such as on weekends and during school breaks. The initiative began 16 years ago, initially serving 36 children, and has since expanded its reach to feed over 200 kids. The founders noted that every student in Hillsboro is eligible for free or reduced-price lunches, highlighting the significant need within the area. They emphasized that one in eight children in the United States faces hunger, a reality that is often underestimated. The nonprofit currently spends approximately $6,000 per month on feeding children, relying heavily on donations and grants to sustain its operations. With anticipated decreases in SNAP benefits for many families, Hill County Kids expects an increased demand for their services.