Complimentary Summer Meals for Students Available at School Districts Throughout the Houston Area
As schools in the Houston area close for summer break, various districts remain committed to addressing child nutrition needs by providing free meals to students. This initiative is especially significant, as expansive research indicates that food insecurity among children often sees an uptick during summer months when school meal programs are unavailable. According to a recent report by the Food Research & Action Center, millions of children nationwide rely on school cafeterias for sustenance during the academic year, making summer programs vital for their health and well-being.
“In Houston Independent School District (HISD), this program plays a critical role in ensuring our students remain healthy and nourished throughout the year,” stated Betti Wiggins, Deputy Chief of Nutrition Services at HISD. Echoing this sentiment, Susan D’Amico, Executive Director of Child Nutrition Services at Aldine Independent School District (ISD), remarked, “Aldine children need good nutrition year-round so they can learn, grow, and succeed in life.”
Throughout the summer, several school districts in the greater Houston area, including Aldine ISD, Fort Bend ISD, Katy ISD, Cy-Fair ISD, and Spring ISD, will distribute free breakfast and lunch to students, with no prerequisites for registration or identification. The Texas Department of Agriculture facilitates a summer meal site map on its website, allowing families to locate nearby meal distribution centers.
Meal Distribution Schedules
Houston ISD: Starting June 5 and continuing through July 18, free meals will be available at select campuses with no registration required. Meals must be consumed on-site, and participating locations will serve breakfast from 7:15 AM to 7:55 AM, with lunch hours generally commencing at 11 AM. These meals are open to children 18 years old and younger, as well as enrolled students with disabilities who are up to 21 years old.
Fort Bend ISD: Additionally, nine campuses within Fort Bend ISD will offer free breakfast and lunch from June 5 through July 17. Similar to HISD, meals must be consumed on-site, and the program serves children aged 18 and younger, including students with disabilities up to 21 years.
Katy ISD: For those in the Katy area, eight designated locations will provide breakfast and lunch throughout the summer. Meal times vary, and students are required to eat the meals in cafeteria settings.
Cy-Fair ISD: Serving students until July 31, Cy-Fair ISD will offer breakfast and lunch from Monday through Thursday. Their website provides a detailed menu and information regarding meal site locations.
Aldine ISD: The summer program operates primarily throughout June, with meals available Monday through Thursday. The district’s website lists the specific sites and times for meal distribution.
Spring ISD: In Spring ISD, students can receive free meals at six participating campuses from Monday through Thursday until July 17. While breakfast times vary, lunch is served from 12:30 PM to 1 PM. Notably, students do not need to be formally enrolled in the district to participate in this program, as long as they are 18 years old or younger.
These summer meal initiatives are crucial in combating childhood hunger and supporting the nutritional needs of children in the Houston area. As summer rolls on, these programs will play an instrumental role in ensuring that students maintain access to healthy meals, allowing them to focus on their growth and development during an otherwise challenging time. Families seeking further information should consult the respective school district websites or the Texas Department of Agriculture’s site for meal location specifics.
