Through our Food Service program, our after school program, and the weekend backpack food program through M.A.R.K. [Hunt County’s Meals for At Risk Kids], QISD is able to provide kids in need with three meals a day, seven days a week.  These programs go a long way towards combatting food insecurity, but we saw the need for nutritional and academic support for our students during the gap that occurs during the few weeks between the end of our six-week Summer Program and when school starts.
While summer feeding programs have been offered on our campuses located in Quinlan during the summer for years, QISD spans 152 square miles, serves four municipalities, and portions of four counties.  We knew that we needed to find a way to be able to take hot meals and learning activities the students who needed it most, in their own neighborhoods.  The dream of refurbishing a retired school bus equipped to provide hot meals, books, and learning activities was born.  The dream is now a reality through a partnership between QISD, United Way of Hunt County, and the ACE Program.  The Mobile Learning Café is decorated like a 50s style café down to the checkerboard floor, booths, chairs, and countertops and contains a library, learning centers, games, and craft supplies.   
The Mobile Learning Café’s inaugural run was during the summer of 2016. During July,  the Mobile Learning Café visits three locations each Monday-Thursday.  At each stop, volunteer teachers, staff members, and community members greet the children as they board the Mobile Learning Café.  A hot lunch, provided by the QISD Food Service Department  is served to each child and when they finish there is time for board games, crafts, and learning centers.  Children are able to choose a book and if they write (or draw a picture) about the book and bring it back to their next visit, they can choose a prize.  

 For more information, please contact the Family and Community Education Department, 903-356-1231 or email [email protected].