As school cafeterias close for summer, the Houston Food Bank is stepping up to keep kids fed.
Starting June 2, children ages 18 and younger, along with students with disabilities up to age 21, can receive healthy, no-cost meals through the Summer Food Service Program.
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The effort helps fill the gap for kids who rely on school meals during the academic year.
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This summer, the Houston Food Bank is expected to serve about 800,000 meals—or roughly 10,000 a day—across 158 sites in the Houston area. In addition to traditional congregate sites where kids gather to eat, the program includes two rural grab-and-go locations at Sealy Christian Pantry in Sealy and Faith Mission WIC in Brenham.
“For the nearly two million food-insecure children in Texas, consistent access to nutritious meals is critical,” said Jourdan Stansberry, senior manager of Education Programs for Houston Food Bank. “We’re proud to help bridge that gap through both schoolyear and summer programs.”
Grab-and-go options allow families in rural areas to pick up bundled meals for multiple days, making it easier for those who may face transportation or scheduling challenges. Parents or guardians may need to show proof of school enrollment if picking up meals without their child.
Families can find nearby meal sites by calling the Houston Food Bank at 713-223-3700, emailing kidscafe@houstonfoodbank.org, visiting houstonfoodbank.org/our-programs/kids-cafe, calling 2-1-1 to speak with an operator, or using the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Summer Meal Site Map.
For more information on the Houston Food Bank and its programs, visit www.HoustonFoodBank.org.