Frisco Family Services provides needs assistance, builds skillsets
Frisco Family Services Executive Director Nicole Bursey said the nonprofit organization, which was founded in 1994 by members of the Frisco ISD community and other concerned citizens, provides support for—and is supported by—the local community.
Quote of note: Bursey said during the fiscal year ending in June, FFS provided 577,000 meals from the market—that number does not include the nine-week summer lunch program.
“In Frisco … people tend to think that there is no need, [that] everybody's thriving. What happens in other communities, happens here—it’s just hidden,” Bursey said. “You may not see someone on the tollway holding up a sign saying, ‘I'll work for food,’ but you can go into some of the most affluent neighborhoods, open a refrigerator and it's empty.”
Levant BBQ to offer smoked meat, family platters in Frisco
Levant BBQ is set to open in the first quarter of 2026 in Frisco, owner Mohamad Kharboutli said.
What they will serve: The menu will feature slow smoked meats including brisket, beef ribs and lamb. The restaurant will also serve sandwiches, brisket shawarmas and family platters.
Dallas North Tollway, Dallas Parkway to see closures in Frisco
Drivers passing through Frisco will see multiple lane and U-turn closures from Sept. 22-26 along Dallas Parkway and Dallas North Tollway.
The context: The closures are part of work by the North Texas Tollway Authority to widen Dallas North Tollway in Frisco. The $157.3 million project is meant to expand the tollway to four lanes in each direction in anticipation of projected population growth.
20 years strong: Community Impact celebrates anniversary through state-wide company gathering
Since 2005, Community Impact has delivered trusted news and local information to communities across Texas. Privately owned by John and Jennifer Garrett of Round Rock, it now reaches 2.5 million mailboxes and 270,000 inboxes in 40 markets.
As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, Community Impact is looking back on two decades built on passion, integrity and innovation—while also focusing forward on deeper reader connections and future growth.
The framework: To recognize 20 years of success, Community Impact held a conference and celebration called The Gathering. The event united employees from across the company for two days of training, collaboration and connection.
“Our belief is that leadership from internal top performers and external experts helps us be the modern local news company we want to be,” Founder and CEO John Garrett said.
Eligible K-12 students receive free school meals after legislature approves funding
This school year, students who are eligible for reduced-price meals can receive free breakfast and lunch at public schools across Texas.
The overview: During the recent legislative session, state lawmakers approved $19.8 million to cover the cost of reduced-price meals for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.
What parents should know: Eligibility for free school meals is determined based on a family’s income through the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.
Families can contact their school district to fill out an application for free or reduced-price meals at any time during the school year. Students who are deemed eligible for reduced-price meals will receive them at no cost through the 2026-27 school year.
What they're saying: “Kids who would have paid a small fee for meals will now receive them at no cost,” said Stacie Sanchez Hare, director of No Kid Hungry Texas. “[School] is where we know so many kids get their meals—it is a guaranteed place for kids to have access to free and nutritional meals.”
