This summer, the No Kid Hungry Texas team once again hit the road to see firsthand the incredible work happening in communities across our state to keep kids nourished. From joyful kickoff events to long rural delivery routes, we witnessed the dedication, creativity, and heart that fuel summer meal programs in Texas. As part of these efforts, we supported 10 organizations with almost $300,000 in grant funding, helping them expand flexible summer meal programs and reach more kids when school is out.
For many children, summer is the hungriest time of year. Without the school meals they rely on during the school year, families often face extra challenges putting food on the table. That’s why our partners’ work is so critical—and why it’s such an honor to stand alongside them in the fight to end summer hunger. None of what we do would be possible without the commitment of school districts, food banks, libraries, and local organizations who open their doors, load their vans, and make sure Texas kids have the food they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Kicked Off Summer at Aldine Independent School District
On June 2nd, we joined Aldine ISD’s Summer Feeding Kickoff at Reed Academy. Families enjoyed an amazing afternoon filled with fun activities like a petting zoo and a smoothie-making bike funded by No Kid Hungry Texas. Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia and Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney were also in attendance celebrating and spotlighting the importance of summer meal programs that help keep kids across Texas fed when school is out.
Innovation in East Central ISD
A week later, we visited East Central ISD’s non-congregate summer meal site where a hot sealer machine, purchased with a No Kid Hungry Texas grant, allowed staff to pack bulk frozen meals for curbside pickup. The result? The participation has increased by 50% since last summer!
Home Delivery with Sabinal ISD
In rural Uvalde County, Sabinal ISD’s home delivery program served 3,360 meals to 240 kids every week. We rode along with their small but mighty team as they delivered bulk meals directly to families’ doors, making it possible for even the most remote households to access healthy food. One parent shared she signed up after hearing about the meals from another mom. “We live so far outside of town, so that’s why whenever I heard about it I talked to the principal and asked if they’d come all the way out to my house. When I found out they did, I signed up because it’s so convenient.”
Expanding Access in Smithville ISD
Smithville ISD has grown its rural non-congregate program to include an evening site, making it easier for working parents to get meals for their children. They’re now serving over 200 meals each day.
Libraries as Lifelines
We saw libraries transform into powerful hunger-fighting hubs this summer. The East Texas Food Bank’s partnership with the Crockett Public Library paired meal distribution with a summer reading program, providing both nourishment and enrichment. In Buda, the public library teamed up with the Central Texas Food Bank to distribute two weeks’ worth of shelf-stable food to 210 kids all while providing a space for kids and families to access educational resources.
A Sweet Surprise in Sealy
During our visit at Sealy Christian Pantry, kids picking up weekly meal boxes got an extra treat thanks to Nature’s Bakery: the chance to choose their favorite snacks. This client-choice model gave kids dignity and excitement in equal measure, and their smiles said it all.
Every stop we made this summer reinforced the same truth: fighting summer hunger takes a village. We are proud to support their efforts, but the credit belongs to our partners. Their hard work, compassion, and commitment are the reason thousands of Texas kids could count on a healthy meal this summer.
