In the News ... "Midland program takes on food insecurity"

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• Expansion of food program should include opportunity to give out books for children

By Stewart Doreen, Editor
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Midland’s Karl Boroski wants to make an impact on two problems in Midland in 2022 – fatherlessness and food insecurity.

And he already has programs in place to battle each.

Boroski told the Reporter-Telegram this week plans are in place to continue and even expend the Rope Youth 'Food First.' That program addresses food insecurity for children. Boroski has been a champion in this area, raising money to pay off lunch debt at Midland ISD campuses. He’s also helped with weekend backpack programs that sends food home with some to make sure there is something to eat when school is not in session.

“If a kid is thinking about lunch or “am I going to have dinner?” then they are focusing on what they shouldn’t be focusing on,” Boroski said.

Boroski said the newest program – a summer feeding program – was instituted last year. It involved having a food truck go to specific neighborhoods and provide dinner-time meals for those children in need. He credited churches like Stonegate Fellowship, First Baptist Church, Crestview Baptist Church, Midland Bible Church and Advance Church and restaurants like Murray’s Deli and Opal’s Table and Midland West Rotary Club in Midland for their partnerships.

“Not a lot of things are done in summertime (for food insecurity),” Boroski said. “We got a food truck and went out every day in the summer. We plan on buying a second truck and doing the same thing this summer.”

Boroski also said that a part of the expansion of the feeding program should include the opportunity to give out books for children. He’s wanting to raise funds and bring in “repurposed” books to give away for those children wanting to read during the summer months in preparation for a new school year.

Those wanting more information about Rope Youth Midland can go to the organization's website RopeYouth.org. Those wanting to ask questions or contribute can also call Boroski at 432-553-3116.

Backyard Midland prepares for the winter

Boroski also said preparations are in place to give a different clientele the resources they need to get through the winter months. Backyard Midland was there in 2021, working with church leaders to bring warmth for the homeless in Midland during the coldest weather in the city’s history.

Boroski said the work has started to acquire sleeping bags, tents and coats to distribute as colder weather hits Midland.

“Everybody can help someone,” Boroski said.

Those interested in more information on Backyard Midland can go to backyardmidland.com or can call Boroski at 432-553-3116 ...
 • Read the rest of this MRT report ...


 • Read the MRT report about the 'fatherlessness' program ...