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Mayor’s Back to School Festival set for Aug. 3 in Houston; Shell, Food Bank to distribute 25,000 backpacks
Summary
City officials and partners announced the 14th annual mayor’s Back to School Festival on Saturday, Aug. 3, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Services include free vaccinations, health and dental screenings, produce distribution and 25,000 backpacks prepared by Shell volunteers.
Councilman Julian Ramirez announced plans for the 14th annual mayor’s Back to School Festival, which will take place Saturday, Aug. 3, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Exhibit Halls A and B. Ramirez said the event will offer free vaccinations, health and dental screenings, and — for the first time this year — fresh food and produce distribution.
The event is presented by Shell USA in partnership with the Houston Food Bank and the mayor’s office. "Parents, I want to emphasize, if your children haven't received the required vaccinations for the school year, you may bring them to the back to school festival to receive all their vaccinations at no charge," Councilman Julian Ramirez said, encouraging families to preregister at houstontx.gov/btsf or register on-site.
Christina Jones, vice president of human resources, diversity and inclusion at Shell USA, said the company’s volunteers are preparing thousands of backpacks for students. "About 250 volunteers will be preparing 25,000 backpacks full of school supplies, hurricane guides, and community resource information for our children all around Houston," Jones said.
Amy Reagan of the Houston Food Bank said the organization and Shell have worked together for years to supply students ahead of the school year and that the Food Bank will also distribute produce at the festival to help families affected by the recent hurricane. "We believe that when children have access to nutritious food, they are more likely to succeed in school," Reagan said.
The organizers said the Houston Health Department and the University of Houston will provide clinical support on-site, and that additional community resource booths will be available for families who need further assistance. Ramirez noted the mayor, John Whitmire, could not attend but has endorsed the event.
The festival is free; organizers ask families to preregister at houstontx.gov/btsf but said registration will also be available at the venue on the day of the event.
