Intermediate Students Partner with Food Bank for Monthly Outreach Program

Creekside Intermediate students and staff have taken on a new initiative to assist those in need in League City and the surrounding communities.

Creekside is currently the only school in Galveston County to partner with the Houston Food Bank to host the School Mobile Market program. According to the Houston Food Bank, the School Mobile Market program helps alleviate child hunger in the local community by providing food to children and their families.

“Our school market program is led and run entirely by our students with the help of teachers, staff and community members,” said Debra Etzel, student support counselor at Creekside. “On designated days, the Houston and Galveston County food banks deliver a large mobile refrigerated truck to our school parking lot. The students unload the food, organize it for distribution and then work together to provide relief in a "drive-thru" community outreach opportunity.”

In addition to providing assistance, staff wanted to help students develop social, leadership and problem-solving skills while growing in their learning through the application of real-life connections. The students have been able to provide food for a large number of people and have helped develop a strong support system for the surrounding area.

“The School Mobile Market has made a tremendous impact on our school and community,” said Etzel. “It gave our students a real change in perspective. Some of our students were unaware of the challenges that some of their peers faced during the pandemic. They now interact more positively with each other when working collaboratively and are more empathetic and recognize those in need. They look forward to the next chance to lead and serve.”

The final distribution day of the school year will be held on Thursday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., or while supplies last, at Creekside Intermediate (4320 W. Main St.) in the parking lot on Palomino Street. The event is open to anyone that meets federal income guidelines or those who have an emergency need. The school also intends on continuing this program next school year.