No Cost Summer Meals Available For Kids Across Texas

Filed under:

Wesley Story

For Immediate Release: 07/01/24
Contact: Wesley Story 
wstory@feedingtexas.org 

No Cost Summer Meals Available For Kids Across Texas

Nearly 1 in 4 Texas kids experience hunger.

TEXAS – When schools close for the summer and kids no longer have access to school meals, Texas food banks see hunger spike and increased need in their communities. The good news is that resources are available this summer to keep Texas kids nourished.

In addition to the food available from local food banks, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) administers the Summer Meals Program, which provides meals at no cost to children and teens 18 years old and younger and students with disabilities up to 21 years old. These nutritious meals are available now to keep kids fed this summer. 

“Food banks know that here in Texas, hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation,” said Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, the state association of food banks. “While summer should be a time of fun and relaxation for kids, it can also mean up to 90 days without the reliable school meals so many kids depend on to thrive. That’s why the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Summer Meals Program is so important to our communities.” 

Nearly 1 in 4 Texas kids experience hunger, according to Feeding America’s latest Map the Meal Gap study. Child hunger only worsens during the summer months when the loss of school meals and higher utility bills can reduce a family’s budget for food. 

Families can visit SummerFood.org or text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 to find a summer meal site near them. 

“We encourage Texans to share this information with friends, family and members of their communities,” Cole said. “Keeping children nourished during the summer improves nutrition and sends them back to school ready to learn. Together, we can keep kids fed in Texas.” 

Because meal site schedules can be subject to change, we recommend families call to confirm dates, times and meal-service details. Families do not have to apply, register or provide identification. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds the Summer Meals Program – including the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO). 

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Feeding Texas is a network of 20 food banks and leads a unified effort for a hunger-free Texas. Learn more and find your local food bank at www.feedingtexas.org. 

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