It all started when a group of kids came up to Kenzie and Shelia Gilbert's pickup truck while they were inside eating lunch.  The children asked for food and without hesitation, they immediately took a banana, broke it into 5 pieces and shared the rest of their lunch with them. "When you see kids begging for food, you cannot "shut up your bowels of compassion" (I John 3:17).  They were heartbroken to see children hungry.  It was just amazing how God blessed what little they had and fed all of them.  Well this was the actual birthing of Food for Kids in St. Joseph, Missouri.

 

In 2007, Food for Kids became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.   Even before the incorporation, the couple was already serving the community and feeding children.... fulfilling God's purpose and plan for their lives.  Then within a year, they gained the respect and support from community partners, businesses and churches, including volunteers. 

 

They expanded their services to provide not just for the kids during summer months but every November, they provided free turkey giveaways and other non-perishable food items to families. Their diligence and labor of love continued as they listened to the heart cry of children expressing other family needs and wants.  In St. Joe, her ministry provided new clothing, school supplies, free haircuts, mattresses, mentors from the local churches, fire and police depts.  Also, outdoor activities included arts & crafts allowing children to express creativity.... even painting the street and community projects.  

 

On occasion, the couple would take the children on various outings or field trips with permission from their parents or guardians.  All of the couple's efforts did not go unnoticed.  They were both honored and excited to be chosen for "20 Who Count".  Then the unthinkable happened.  Covid19 Pandemic struck in 2020 like a wildfire, creating more hardship and many lost their lives.  Then Shelia's beloved husband, Kenzie died suddenly.  Even in the midst of her own grief and a pandemic outbreak,  she continued to fulfill God's purpose and plan for her ministry. 

 

It is often said that when it rains it pours. Things happen but God is a very present help in the time of need.  Then another unfortunate event occurred; her mother suffered a debilitating stroke which left her partially paralyzed and unable to care for herself.  Shelia made the decision to move back to her hometown of Houston following St. Joe's annual turkey giveaway in November 2022.   Her commitment to provide food on the table during the Thanksgiving holiday was fast approaching and the Almighty God helped her to closeout the last major event in St. Joseph, Missouri.  

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​In December 2022, Shelia relocated  to Houston, Texas.  She had to make some amendments to her organization as not to conflict with other food for kids entities.  Therefore, Food for Kids changed its name to FOOD FOR KIDS TEXAS.  Her ministry's mission and vision remained unchanged.   She began her Houston ministry in the area in which she grew up .... reaching inner city kids.  She saw many struggling families and children in the same situation that she left in St. Joe.  However, she began rebuilding with the relocating . . . starting with providing healthy sack lunches and hot meals in the Hiram Clarke area.  

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FOOD FOR KIDS TEXAS is always in need of sponsors, donations and volunteers.  If God is leading you to partner with us, contact Shelia directly via her email at foodforkids101@gmail.com with a copy to info@stjoefoodforkids.com.  You can also call her at (713)514-2843.   When possible, please visit our gallery of photos and videos on this website.

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GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY!!!​​​​​​

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