NO KID HUNGRY TEXAS STRENGTHENS RURAL SUMMER MEAL PROGRAMS WITH OVER $300,000 INVESTMENT

 No Kid Hungry Texas Allocates Over $300,000 to Enhance Summer Meal Access for Children

No Kid Hungry Texas announced on Wednesday, June 11, a substantial investment exceeding $300,000 in grant funding, distributed among 11 organizations. This funding is strategically aimed at broadening access to flexible summer meal programs for children during school holiday periods.

Traditionally, federally subsidized summer meal initiatives have mandated a congregate setting, requiring children to consume meals on-site. However, this model has historically demonstrated limited reach, with an estimated six out of seven eligible children not participating in these vital summer nutrition programs. Access barriers are further exacerbated in rural areas, characterized by dispersed meal site locations, coupled with transportation expenses and scheduling constraints for working guardians.

Recent federal policy modifications have authorized rural communities to implement non-congregate meal services, thereby affording greater flexibility in meal distribution methods tailored to community needs. Non-congregate models encompass diverse approaches such as drive-thru meal collection, multi-day meal distributions, and home delivery. These alternative methods often necessitate augmented operational resources, including additional personnel and equipment.

Stacie Sanchez Hare, director of No Kid Hungry Texas, stated, "Childhood hunger continues to pose a significant challenge within Texas communities, particularly during the summer months when access to school meals is discontinued. In light of escalating grocery costs and increasingly constrained familial resources, our grants are specifically designed to enhance our partners' capacity to provide meals to children when school is not in session."

The recent grants from No Kid Hungry Texas will support school districts, food banks, and various community organizations in implementing non-congregate meal programs, thereby facilitating access to nutritious meals for a greater number of children throughout the summer. The allocated funds will address a spectrum of operational requirements, including the acquisition of point-of-sale systems, fuel for meal delivery vehicles, and staffing for home delivery services.

Mel Jackson, executive director of the Josh Howard Foundation, commented, "We recognize the challenges faced by parents and caregivers regarding daily commutes to meal sites. This grant will significantly assist us in nourishing more children through the rural non-congregate summer meals program. The support from No Kid Hungry Texas is a crucial lifeline as we approach the summer period, and we anticipate observing the enduring positive impact of this collaboration."

Grant Recipients

The following 11 organizations have been awarded grant funding:

Program Spotlight: Hearne ISD

Hearne ISD will utilize its grant funds to expand its summer feeding program, enabling families to pick up meals at Eastside Park in Hearne. Meals will be distributed throughout the summer on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, at the splash pad located at 405 Norwood Lane. Each student will receive a total of three pre-packed breakfast and lunch meals, including milk and juice. Parents are requested to bring their students for meal pick-up.

For additional information regarding No Kid Hungry's advocacy efforts and year-round grant-making initiatives in Texas, please visit https://state.nokidhungry.org/texas/.