LANCASTER, Texas — Lancaster ISD is the latest school district to open a food market to help fight hunger as part of an expanded Texas Health Resources program that also aims to improve student mental health across North Texas.

The community gathered Feb. 26 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening WEBO Market, named after Lancaster ISD’s motto, “WE Believe in Orange.” The market, part of the THRIVE North Texas program, will provide district students and staff access to free, healthy food.

THRIVE stands for Together Harnessing Resources to Give Individuals Voice and Empowerment. In addition to addressing food insecurity, the program provides students with resiliency skills training using interactive learning modules and connects families to wraparound social services such as clothing assistance, housing resources and mental health counseling.

“This program has a proven record of equipping students with the mental tools and support they need to overcome adversity while also giving students access to free, nutritious food, so they can focus on their studies, not hunger,” said Catherine Oliveros, DrPH, vice president of Community Health Improvement for Texas Health.

The expansion of the program to Lancaster ISD is made possible by community partners, including Dallas County, and through generous donations to the Texas Health Resources Foundation, including those from lead supporters Patricia and Fernando De Leon and the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.

More than 7,000 students attend Lancaster ISD’s 12 campuses, 80% of whom are considered economically disadvantaged. The district also employs about 900 people.

“The addition of the WEBO Market to Lancaster ISD is a game changer for our students and families,” said Dr. A.K. Perera, superintendent of schools in Lancaster ISD. “Access to fresh, nutritious food is essential for student success, and this initiative aligns with our commitment to supporting the whole child while providing our Career and Technical Education students with hands-on experience as they work and operate the store. We are grateful to all our supporters for investing in the well-being of our community and helping to remove barriers to learning.”

Initially implemented in Sanger ISD in 2019 through the first of two Texas Health Community Impact grants, THRIVE was so successful that the Texas Health Resources Foundation launched a fundraising campaign to expand it across North Texas. Since then, THRIVE North Texas has been implemented on campuses in Lewisville, Fort Worth, Terrell and Dallas. The program is also expanding later this year to Southwest High School in Fort Worth.

The programs are typically funded for two years through donor gifts to the Texas Health Resources Foundation before becoming self-sustaining.

Preliminary numbers from the three schools still being funded through Texas Health in Fort Worth, Terrell and Dallas show the campuses distributed more than 14,000 pounds of food to 628 students and more than 1,300 staff members during the 2023-24 school year. On average, the three schools also saw an almost 26% decrease in the number of disciplinary referrals compared with the year prior to THRIVE’s arrival.

“The mental health component of THRIVE is greatly changing the landscape and how students react to their emotions,” said Marsha Ingle, senior director of Community Health Improvement for Texas Health. “Teachers are reporting to us that with the tools the program is providing students, students are regulating their emotions better and thinking before acting.”

About Lancaster ISD 
Lancaster Independent School District (Lancaster ISD) is a premier public school district in North Texas committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for success in college, careers, and life. Serving the City of Lancaster, Texas, and more than 7,000 students, the school district is dedicated to academic excellence, innovative learning opportunities, and strong community partnerships. With 12 campuses and a rich tradition of achievement in academics, athletics, and fine arts, Lancaster ISD empowers students to dream big, believe in their potential, and work toward success. The district remains focused on fostering a culture of excellence to ensure every student reaches their full potential. For more information, visit www.lancasterisd.org.