Who Makes Things Happen at Kids Meals, Inc.? Meet Cristina!
12 People Who Make Things Happen for Kids in Houston
Who makes things happen at Kids Meals Inc.?
Meet Cristina Vetrano!
Kids Meals, Inc.
Cristina Vetrano is honored to help children in need right here in her own community. As Executive Director for Kids' Meals, Inc., her mission is to end hunger among children by delivering nutritious meals to their doors free of cost, every weekday, year round. Texas is number one in our nation for food insecurity for children according to Children at Risk. She encourages anyone interested in volunteering for Kids Meals Inc.
What does your job entail?
I am the Executive Director of Kids’ Meals. I have the honor of running this organization that feeds approximately 2000 pre-school kids Monday through Friday, free of charge, all year round. We deliver these meals to their door. I am the main point of contact to the Houston Food Bank and ensure we have all of the supplies for the lunches as well as manage the staff, work with the Board of Directors and represent the organization on a daily basis. It is a really great job.
How did you become involved in working with your organization?
My church, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, makes lunches for Kids’ Meals on a monthly basis. They heard about the position and sent it on to me.
What is the most fun part of your job?
Knowing that I help feed pre-school children every day.
How did you get started in your field of work?
I volunteered for Special Olympics as a soccer, basketball and floor hockey coach in college and knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the not for profit sector.
What are some of your favorite events at your organization?
There are two of events that are really special. We host a Holiday Party for over 400 preschool kids every December. We give toys to all of the kids,that attend as well as provide lunch, have a visit from Santa and dance. It is a lot of fun. In addition, the Harvest Luncheon that occurs every November provides us an opportunity to tell the story of the kids and to honor key volunteers and corporations that have provide significant support to us.
What kind of unusual things have you done in the course of your job there? I have done everything from loading frozen turkeys into vans to making sandwiches to ordering truck loads of juice to be placed in our lunches.
Tell us a little about your life outside of your work?
I have lived here in Houston for almost 5 years. I am married and have three children ages 11, 8 and 2.
What other interests do you have in the community?
I love to spend time with my family and to be a part of all of their activities. I am also on the Board of the Houston Area Heart Gallery to help children in foster care get adopted.
Do you have any new events in the upcoming year?
We have an equestrian event coming up October 24th through the 26th that will be held in Magnolia. This will be a first time event and we are very honored to be the Beneficiary.
What are some great ways that parents can get kids interested in helping out?
We have volunteer opportunities for all ages. Kids’ Meals is a great chance for the whole family to come out and make lunches for kids, deliver lunches on route or prepare bags of groceries that are distributed to the families as our pantry fills. This organization give parents an opportunity to help kids understand the importance of giving back at a young age.
Tell us a few fun facts about yourself:
I grew up in San Diego and graduated from San Diego State University with a finance undergrad. After college I served in the Peace Corps in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia as a small business volunteer. I also taught aerobics to 75 women and produced a television special that was aired nationally about the market economy. After Peace Corps, I worked in advertising while I earned my MBA and then worked at the American Red Cross in Washington DC where I implemented large IT systems for both Health and Safety Services and Disaster Services.
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