![\"A](\"https:\/\/www2.baylor.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/thi-oct19.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
For more than a decade, Baylor’s Texas Hunger Initiative<\/a> (THI) has worked to eradicate hunger in Texas, and to do so through a model that can be replicated elsewhere. This fall, THI has received more than $7 million in grants that will enable the organization to do more than ever.<\/p>\n In late September, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded a $5 million grant to THI’s Kathy Krey<\/a> to test a new way of distributing food during the summer to rural kids. More than 3 million students in Texas receive free or reduced-price school meals, and THI\u2019s efforts have led to an increase in the number of summer programs that continue to provide those meals even when school is out. Dr. Krey (BBA ’99, MA ’05, PhD ’08), THI’s director of research and administration, will oversee a test effort to deliver food by mail to students (particularly in rural areas) who are unable to utilize traditional summer meal programs<\/a>.<\/p>\n Just a few days later, the Walmart Foundation announced a $2.6 million grant<\/a> that will enable THI to expand its efforts to support Texas communities in assessing local hunger, evaluating barriers to food security, and finding long-term, community-driven solutions to hunger and poverty. The funds will also help THI continue to develop its statewide network of community coalitions, continue child nutrition program outreach, and conduct university-based research to evaluate and improve upon its work.<\/p>\n Since its launch in 2009, the Texas Hunger Initiative has worked to\u00a0end hunger through policy, education, research, community organizing, and community development. Along with its office located within Baylor’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work<\/a>, THI has offices located in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Lubbock, McAllen and San Angelo.<\/p>\n