Arlington charity receives big boost in quest to feed at-risk, hungry schoolchildren

Martha Kinard is angry — and she wants more people to get irate with her.

She and her fellow volunteers at NEW DAY charity in Arlington believe the more folks who get mad, the fewer hungry children there will be in the world.

“The fact that there are hungry children should make everyone angry,” said Kinard, secretary of the nonprofit organization providing supplemental weekend food for homeless and other at-risk students in the Arlington school district.

Apparently, those at the Arlington philanthropic group Women Inspiring Philanthropy (WIP) also are angry. They recently presented NEW DAY with a $50,000 grant.

“This is an extraordinary and generous commitment by Women Inspiring Philanthropy that will enable New Day to expand its important programs that provide supplemental food to students in the Arlington ISD and summer programs,” said Michael McCoy, NEW DAY vice president.

WIP is also a nonprofit group seeking to transform lives in the Arlington area. Each member gives at least annually, which is then matched with donations by nonprofit.

“WIP’s mission is to make change happen, but unprecedented times require you to pivot and reevaluate. During these days of uncertainty, feeding our children rises to the top of importance,” WIP spokeswoman Linda Dipert said. “We thank NEW DAY for their passion, their heart, and their love for our children.”

NEW DAY provides food bags to AISD counselors who identify food-insecure students and provide them the bags. Since its inception in 2005, NEW DAY’s reach has grown to include 60 percent of Arlington ISD schools.

More than 1,000 bags of food were distributed to schools and students on a weekly basis during the 2019-20 school year. Every bag features high protein food, Kinard stressed.

When the coronavirus pandemic forced schools to shut down, NEW DAY gave its remaining inventory, more than 1,200 bags of weekend food, to Mission Arlington to distribute. NEW DAY will also provide food to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Arlington and the Arlington Police Department camps this summer.

Kinard said the donation from WIP equals almost half of an average year’s donations to NEW DAY. The organization typically receives funding from individual church members and groups, civic organizations, fundraising events, and through North Texas Giving Day.

“We appreciate WIP with their support and commitment to us,” Kinard said. “The only paid person we have is a part-time grant writer. Yes, we live off donations, and this is going to be a big help.”

Kinard said help from the general public is always welcome. Donations can also be made in the form of a dedication to someone by visiting newdayarlington.org.

“A popular thing to do right now is to honor a senior graduating,” she said.

NEW DAY was launched as a mission project by Grace Presbyterian Church of Arlington, and is now also affiliated with Westminster Presbyterian Church, Trinity United Methodist Church, and Fielder Church. Food storage and packing space is provided by each church, and volunteers fill and distribute the required sacks of food to the participating schools.

“We have one thing we do, and we are dedicated to making sure as many kids get fed as possible,” Kinard said. “That’s why we’re here. Kids influence society. If you’re hungry you don’t learn.

“I keep thinking of a kid going to school Monday morning hungry. That should not be happening — not in Arlington, Texas.”