06-15-26

Article and photo by Diana Olvedo-Karau

Every second Saturday of the month, volunteers gather at Uvalde Dual Language Academy to prepare food for local families. Cars line up early, and the pace of the distribution depends largely on one thing: how many volunteers show up to help.
Lead organizers have built an efficient system, and once the line begins moving, the process runs quickly. Still, every step depends on volunteers working together to keep food flowing to the families who need it.

The San Antonio Food Bank began building a formal, recurring presence in Uvalde in December 2019 by supplying regional pantries. After the tragedy of May 2022, it expanded emergency support and established monthly drive-thru distributions, typically hosted at UDLA.

According to food bank representatives, 200 families were served in May 2026. In June, that number rose to 275 families, reflecting the higher need often seen during summer months.

The need is significant. Uvalde County continues to face high food insecurity driven by poverty,
vulnerable populations, and reliance on SNAP benefits. The county’s poverty rate is estimated
at about 22% to 24%, higher than state and national averages. Child poverty is roughly 31%,
and about one in four residents relies on SNAP to buy groceries.

Editorial Remarks:

After volunteering at the May and June distributions, I saw firsthand how many of our
neighbors depend on this support, especially elderly residents and families facing difficult
circumstances. But in the middle of that need I also saw gratitude, dignity, and hope. Having
experienced food insecurity myself, I know the value of a helping hand. Whether you have
walked in those shoes or simply want to serve, consider volunteering at this distribution or
another local opportunity. Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus; the rewards are eternal.

 by Michael Robinson| Uvalde Hesperian

12-17-24

   Uvalde Dual Language Academy Principal Elsa Ayala delivered an item of information report to the Uvalde CISD Trustees about the school.

  “UDLA is a bilingual campus: bilingual and bicultural based on the best practices through a rigorous school curriculum. Our goal is to achieve bilingualism,” Ayala said.

  “When you think bilingualism and biculturalism, I want you to know “If it is sometimes difficult to teach in one language, try teaching in two languages. It is quite challenging, but I have wonderful teachers,” Ayala said. 

  She also stated that English and Spanish speaking students are often paired to learn together which enables both students to learn a new language a little bit faster.

  UDLA currently has 26 teachers and 537 students. 

 Ayala stated that the cafeteria at UDLA is filled with parents during school meetings.

Students are currently learning about the debates and the rules and formalities as well as hosting Spanish spelling bee events. The teachers and students are very involved and participate in many community activities including the Palomino Fest Parade, Christmas at the Crossroads Parade. UIL events, the Veterans Day Ceremony. the Thanksgiving luncheon and UDLA students participated in Posada happening this week. 

Reading Hall of Fame

Ayala said reading is encouraged and the school has an armor display case at the school featuring a “Reading Hall of Fame” with students’ pictures and the parents like it very much.”

 “A healthy environment has to be cultivated every single day,” she said. 

 “Every morning as the school day begins, you can feel the energy and love that define our environment.” Ayala said.

 “Your passion speaks volumes,” Uvalde CISD Trustee Jesse Rizo said to Ayala following her report on UDLA.