AUSTIN - School's out for the summer, and that means thousands of Texas children will be looking for places they can meet their friends, have fun and eat healthy snacks and meals. Texas' Summer Food Service Program is ready to meet the demand.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission's Summer Food Program is offered statewide by local sponsors who operate sites where children up to 19 years old can get free meals. The service is open to all children, regardless of income. Those who are older than 19 and enrolled in school programs for people with disabilities also can receive free meals.
Once again this summer, many of the free meal sites are being sponsored by school districts, local government agencies, churches and other private nonprofit groups. The sites are located in areas where more than 50 percent of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program.
More than 2,000 Summer Food meal sites across Texas are expected to be in operation in places such as recreation centers, schools, parks, churches, day camps and community centers. Many of the sites will offer recreational activities for children as well as free meals.
In 2005, more than 12 million meals were served to Texas children through the Summer Food Program, up more than 880,000 from 2004.
The most up-to-date information on Summer Food meal sites and hours of operation is available statewide by calling 2-1-1. For more details on the Summer Food Program, visit www.summerfood.org.