Our Mission
and Vision
At Cara Caters, we are dedicated to providing children with the food they need to thrive. Our mission is to help feed hungry children on weekends and holidays with dignity.
Our vision for the future is to put an end to childhood hunger in small communities.
75% of Ennis ISD students are economically disadvantaged
One in every five children are not sure where they will get their next meal.
-USDA
Children who face hunger are at increased risk for having health problems and developmental delays.
-Feeding America
Cara Caters Comittment to Diversity Equit and Inclusion
Cara Caters, Inc. is committed to fostering a environment of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of its work. We believe that every child, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, or background, deserves equal access to food and resources. The corporation will actively strive to insure that its programs, policies, leadership and partnerships reflect these values.
Cara Caters Comittment to Diversity Equit and Inclusion
Cara Caters, Inc. is committed to fostering a environment of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of its work. We believe that every child, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, or background, deserves equal access to food and resources. The corporation will actively strive to insure that its programs, policies, leadership and partnerships reflect these values.
Cara Caters works closely with counselors on all Ennis ISD and Palmer ISD campuses to identify children facing food insecurity. We strive to reach children who are unhoused; those whose families may lack consistent transportation, limiting access to food; single-parent households; families facing sudden tragedy; and others expierencing circumstances that may lead a child to become food insecure. Student information is kept confidential within the school district. Cara Caters receives only the number of bags
needed at each campus.
The number of bags distributed increases through the school year as children move into the district or experience a sudden life change that results in food insecurity. Additionally, as time goes on, students often become more comfortable with their school counselor, which may lead them to becoming more open about their challenging
circumstances at home.
The food we use to fill our bags is funded by donations and ordered on a weekly basis. We strive to fill our bags with familiar, nonperishable food items that are appealing to children
and require little to no preparation.
A Cara Caters bag contains enough non-perishable food for two meals and snacks. Each bag includes one Chef boyardee can or microwave bowl; one of either a macaroni and cheese cup, a can of soup or a package of ramen noodles; one applesauce cup or squeeze pouch; one cup of mixed fruit; one nut-free granola bar; one instant oatmeal packet; one package of crackers; one dessert item such as cookies, fruit snacks, or Rice Krispie Treats; one water bottle and disposable silverware.
Volunteers gather on a weekly basis through the school year to pack bags. Ennis High School National Honor Society students make delivers to each campus on Thursday mornings. During times when school is not in session, including summer, Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring break, families receive information about scheduled bag pickup days. One bag is provided for each child that is present at pickup.
Watch us on CBS News
Testimonial
"For kids who face food insecurity at home, knowing they have access to food through a food bag alleviates some of the anxiety and stress associated with hunger. It offers a sense of security, making students feel more stable and less distracted by the worry of where their next meal will come from. This emotional relief can have a profound impact on their overall well-being. This can lead to better attendance, improved grades, and greater overall success in school."
EISD counselor
Accompanied by her big hair and her larger-than-life personality is a voice that's even bigger. Listen closely and you'll hear remnants of Lorrie Morgan, Dolly Parton, Aretha Franklin and Alan Jackson. It all makes for a sound that's familiar - like your favorite 90's country - yet uniquely fresh.
