IDEA Public Schools is stepping up to help families this summer by offering free meals to all children 18 years and younger, whether they attend an IDEA school or not.
The program runs from June 2 through July 31 at all IDEA campuses, made possible through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.
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Breakfast will be served from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., and lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. Meals must be eaten on-site in the campus cafeterias.
IDEA officials say food service will pause on June 20 and from June 30 through July 4 for federal holidays.
The initiative comes at a crucial time, with nearly 1 in 5 Texas children facing hunger, according to Feeding America.
“We know nutrition is essential for all children in our community—not just during the school year, but throughout the summer as well,” said Fernando Aguilar, Vice President of the Child Nutrition Program at IDEA Public Schools. “With nearly 1.7 million children in Texas at risk of hunger this summer, we’re proud continue helping fill that gap by providing nutritious meals that ease the financial strain on families during the break.”
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For more details, families can contact the cafeteria manager at any IDEA campus or visit ideapublicschools.org.