When government funding for feeding Southern Nevada’s most vulnerable children was halted, the strain was felt across the valley. In the absence of dependable support, Serving Our Kids Foundation (servingourkids.org) stepped up to help fill the gap for food-insecure families, making a real difference in the lives of thousands.
Founded in 2013, Serving Our Kids Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit devoted to ensuring children can dream about the future, not just about food. “Hungry kids don’t dream of the future. They dream of food. We’re feeding their dreams,” affirms CEO Laurie Tanakaya. The foundation’s regular meal bag program delivers hope and sustenance to at-risk youth through a broad coalition of donors, advocates, and volunteers.
Every week, volunteers make sure no child has to go without food over the weekend. “We are very fortunate to have a large, dedicated group of volunteers helping ‘Serving Our Kids.’ Each week we pack and deliver weekend meal bags to 100 Clark County, K-8th grade schools. Funding is critical to our mission,” Laurie says, emphasizing the necessity of ongoing community support.
The impact of stable meals is profound. Nutritious food is the foundation of children’s mental focus, academic growth, and social development. Numerous studies show that kids with reliable access to healthy meals attend school more often, participate more fully, and perform better in class. When hunger is removed from the equation, children are better able to learn, overcome challenges, and thrive, both in and out of school.
As the nonprofit says, “Children are the center of our universe. And we value the health, well-being and future of every child. As crusaders in the never-ending battle against child hunger, our values help give us the strength to keep fighting, to keep driving forward and serving more kids.”
When school is out, access to reliable meals disappears, putting many children at risk of hunger. “Summertime, when school is not in session, is a challenge. During the year we partner directly with the schools and their administration. Long term, we hope to develop partnerships that can help with a summertime solution,” Laurie explains.
Volunteers are still the backbone of Serving Our Kids. Locals can register online to help assemble bags at the warehouse on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Skilled professionals in areas like marketing or technical trades are also encouraged to assist with community events. David Archer, Executive Director, oversees daily operations and seeks new partnerships to keep the program thriving.
The need remains urgent. Each day, more than 100,000 children in Clark County face food insecurity. While school meal programs offer relief during the week, few extend help to weekends, making Serving Our Kids critical to bridge that gap.
Laurie’s conviction carries forward: “I am proud to serve as a full-time volunteer CEO. One child at a time; we will take steps to end child hunger in our community.” For many families, the foundation is more than a food source, it is a promise of a brighter future.
As Southern Nevada continues to face possible funding delays and uncertainty, Serving Our Kids Foundation proves that local action, compassion, and partnership can help protect children’s health and well-being, one meal at a time.