{"id":13451,"date":"2024-06-12T08:00:15","date_gmt":"2024-06-12T08:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/state.nokidhungry.org\/texas\/?p=13397"},"modified":"2024-06-12T08:00:15","modified_gmt":"2024-06-12T08:00:15","slug":"no-kid-hungry-strengthens-rural-summer-meal-programs-through-123550-investment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/state.nokidhungry.org\/texas\/2024\/06\/12\/no-kid-hungry-strengthens-rural-summer-meal-programs-through-123550-investment\/","title":{"rendered":"NO KID HUNGRY STRENGTHENS RURAL SUMMER MEAL PROGRAMS THROUGH $123,550 INVESTMENT"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today, No Kid Hungry Texas announced <\/span>$123,550 i<\/span>n funding to <\/span>7 <\/span>rural school districts and community organizations designed to expand these organizations\u2019 capacity to offer non-congregate meal services during the summer months.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Traditionally, federally funded summer meal programs must be offered in a congregate setting, meaning that kids must consume meals on-site. However, recent federal policy changes have allowed rural communities to offer meals in ways that best meet the needs of their community. These flexibilities \u2014 in conjunction with expanded capacity and resources through No Kid Hungry\u2019s grantmaking \u2014 will help remove barriers and connect more kids to meals during what is typically the hungriest time of the year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A recent study released by Feeding America found that Texas ranks as one of the nation\u2019s most food-insecure states, surpassing California for the first time. With <\/span>1 in 4 kids facing hunger amounting to 1,697,870 Texas children<\/span><\/a>, the latest numbers show a significant increase from the previous year’s data.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe are extremely grateful for the federal policy changes that make offering these flexible programs a possibility,\u201d said Mia Medina, No Kid Hungry Texas Senior Program Manager. \u201cThose living in rural communities face additional obstacles when it comes to traditional meal sites, such as fuel costs for daily commutes to sites that are few and far between, or work schedules that conflict with a site\u2019s operating hours. We are proud to offer support to programs that will allow families to get the nutritious meals their children need in more practical, convenient ways.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The funds will be leveraged to ensure each community is equipped for a successful summer meal season. From kitchen equipment for grab n\u2019 go sites and point-of-sale machines to operating and staffing costs for home delivery services, this cycle of grants will help support more than 20 meal sites across the Lone Star State.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The following <\/span>7 <\/span>organizations received grant funding:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n