Registration is recommended for participation in the fest: https://www.houstontx.gov/btsf/registermystudent.html
The annual fest presented by Shell Oil Company is designed to help economically disadvantaged Houston-area elementary school students and their families as they prepare to return to school. In addition to distributing 25,000 backpacks with school supplies, the Mayor's Office of Special Events has partnered with the Houston Food Bank to provide food to the students' families. Additionally, face masks will be distributed to ensure a safe return to school. With one in four Texas children living in poverty, the Mayor's Back to School Fest presented by Shell is focused on changing the future, one child at a time.
"Many Houston families simply cannot afford school supplies, and the challenges are greater this year because of the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Families have been hit hard by health issues or unemployment, said Mayor Turner. "I thank our sponsors for stepping up to the plate to help. Due to their generosity, thousands of kids will have the tools they need for a successful start to the school year."
Due to COVID-19, this new procedure for obtaining school supplies was implemented in 2020 with the sole purpose of keeping the public safe and socially distanced. That commitment to safety remains a priority for this year's event.
"Shell is honored to serve as founding and presenting sponsor of the annual Mayor’s Back 2 School Fest,” said Christina Jones, VP HR, Diversity, Inclusion and Employee Relations. “Through our strong 11-year partnership, we have supported a variety of education programs that help prepare our students for academic success. These continuing efforts are critical to support our talent pipeline, but also to sustain and grow the economic vitality of this community we all call home.“
Partnering with the Houston Food Bank will benefit students and their families by providing much-needed produce, protein, and dry goods.
"Houston Food Bank is proud to be a part of the Mayor's Back 2 School Fest, to help kids and families get ready for this important time of year," says Brian Greene, president/CEO of the Food Bank. "While there remain so many unknowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, what we do know is that some families need help preparing for this time of year, and they are still in need of food assistance. We are happy to partner with Shell and the City of Houston for this important event."
Event Sponsors & Supporters
Presenting Sponsor: Shell Oil Company; Community Partner: Houston Food Bank; Host & Sponsor: NRG Park; Sponsors: Bank of America; CenterPoint Energy; Internet Essentials from Comcast; Kelsey-Seybold Clinic; Houston Community College; Legacy Community Health; AAA Texas; Enterprise; University of Houston; Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers; Texas Barber College; Crimestoppers of Houston; Jetco Delivery
The Mayor’s Back 2 School Fest Presented by Shell is an initiative of the Department of Neighborhoods in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Special Events. For more information call 832-393-0868.
About Shell Oil Company
Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Royal Dutch Shell plc, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies with operations in more than 70 countries. In the U.S., Shell operates in 50 states and employs more than 16,000 people working to help tackle the challenges of the new energy future.