Free flu shots, fresh produce and more for Lone Star College-Tomball students, neighbors

Communities In Schools of Houston invites Tomball residents to Healthy Harvest Food and Wellness Fair

NEWS RELEASE

(TOMBALL, TX) – Flu vaccination rates on college campuses are as low as 8 percent, despite students being at particularly high risk of getting and spreading the virus because they are in close quarters. But an upcoming event hosted by the nonprofit Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS) plans to vaccinate as many college students and their families and neighbors as possible – for free. 

The Healthy Harvest Food and Wellness Fair is Tuesday, Nov. 6, from 9 a.m. to noon at Lone Star College-Tomball’s Beckendorf Conference Center (30555 Tomball Parkway). Hundreds of Tomball college students and residents are expected to attend.

Kristin Carpenter with Communities In Schools of Houston, who is embedded at Lone Star College-Tomball to support students in their times of need, said many college students struggle to balance between work, family and completing an education. Carpenter coordinated with the Houston Food Bank to bring its Mobile Pantry – stocked with large bins of fresh produce – to the fair so students can shop for fruits and vegetables.

“We’re privileged to support Lone Star College in their commitment to provide students with whatever they may need, to take some of the burden off of students so they can focus on earning their college degree, certificate or continuing education hours,” Carpenter said.

Both insured and uninsured visitors can get flu shots courtesy of the nonprofit Shots for Holly and Walgreen’s. Those with insurance need to bring their insurance cards. There are a limited number of vouchers for those who are uninsured to receive a free flu shot, but shots will be available for purchase if vouchers run out.

In addition to free food and flu shots, the fair will offer free HIV testing and other information and assistance from organizations like Tomball Emergency Assistance Ministries.

Communities In Schools of Houston, which partners with education leaders to support students on campuses across Greater Houston, expanded this school year to help a record number: more than 120,000 students at 154 schools, including six Lone Star College campuses—up from three at the beginning of last year.

CIS of Houston’s Student Support Specialists also work on campuses in Houston, Spring Branch, Alief and Fort Bend Independent School Districts and Houston Community College. The organization has impacted more than one million students over its 40-year history.