Free summer meals in Houston: Where to get free food for kids

Houston Food Bank's free summer meals start Monday

Families in need will get free food this summer for their kids thanks to efforts from the Houston Food Bank .

HOUSTON - Families in need can get free meals for their kids this summer at hundreds of locations across the area.

Here's a look at some of the programs offering free meals for local children.

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Houston Food Bank

The Summer Food Service Program starts June 5, providing free meals to those 18 and younger, as well as enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old.

"Nearly two million food-insecure children who live in Texas lack consistent access to nutritious food to fuel a healthy life," says "Belinda Enojado, senior manager of Process Management at Houston Food Bank. "In order to address this issue, the Houston Food Bank distributes meals to children through community partners during both the school year and summer. The Summer Food Service Program begins on June 5, 2023."

There are dozens of locations across the Houston area to get a meal. You can find details on the Houston Food Bank’s website. Click here.

The Summer Food Service Program is a U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition program administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Organizations, like the Houston Food Bank, partner with TDA to distribute meals in areas where more than half of children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program.

To find free meals in other parts of the state, call 2-1-1 or text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304.

Houston ISD

Houston ISD's Summer Meal Program begins June 6 and runs through July 3. Some campuses will extend the program later into July.

The program offers free breakfast and lunch at more the 195 schools throughout the district for children between the ages of one and 18.

The district says children don't need to be enrolled in summer school, and families won't be asked to provide paperwork, registration or proof of income.

Parents are advised to check with their school or the Nutrition Services Department for meal times. For more information about meal times and locations, parents can contact HISD's Nutrition Services Department at (713)491-5944.