HOUSTON – Families across Houston are feeling the strain of the ongoing federal government shutdown and HISD is stepping up to help.

At Wainwright Elementary, cafeteria staff say the number of students coming in for breakfast and dinner has doubled in recent weeks as families struggle with reduced or delayed food assistance benefits.

Cafeteria lead Elizabeth Hernandez says breakfast participation has jumped from fewer than 100 students to around 180 each day. Staff are also serving siblings who aren’t enrolled at the school but rely on the meals.

“Well, at the moment, it’s really, really busy. The kids are eating more breakfast, they’re picking up more lunch,” Hernandez says. “The numbers have literally picked up a lot.”

District officials say they’ve expanded access to free breakfa

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