The South Texas Food Bank has kicked off its Summer Food Service Program to help ensure kids don’t go hungry when school is out. This initiative started on May 29 and aims to provide free meals and snacks to children aged 18 and under across eight counties.
The program is made possible through support from the Texas Department of Agriculture and generous donations. The goal is simple: to offer nutritious meals to kids who rely on school meals during the year.
Meals are prepared at the food bank’s Scratch Kitchen and are served at various locations, including community centers, libraries, and youth organizations. Most meal sites are open Monday through Friday from 1-3 p.m., but check local schedules as they can vary.
The South Texas Food Bank has long been active in tackling childhood hunger. Programs like the Kids Café, started in 2004, and the Child & Adult Care Food Program, launched in 2019, aim to support those in need.
Research shows that child hunger can lead to serious long-term effects on health and education. Feeding America reports that about 1 in 7 kids face food insecurity. Programs like this are crucial in bridging that gap, especially during the summer months when access to regular meals can be limited.
In today’s world, many parents turn to social media to share their experiences. Many local families express gratitude for such programs, as they not only provide meals but also foster a sense of community.
For more details on meal locations or how to help, you can reach out to the Child Nutrition Program Coordinators at the South Texas Food Bank. You can contact Juan Jose Martinez at 956-726-3120, Ext. 125, or jjmartinez@southtexasfoodbank.org, and Rachel Maldonado at 956-726-3120, Ext. 119, or rmaldonado@southtexasfoodbank.org.
By fighting hunger, initiatives like this help build a healthier future for our children.
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