Every year, many families in Houston face hunger for their children when the school meal programs they depend on end for the summer break. The Houston Parks and Recreation Department hosts the Summer Food Service Program to help fill that gap. Children ages 1 – 18 across the Houston area can receive FREE lunches and snacks at locations across the city and Harris County. No registration is required. The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (H.P.A.R.D.) has been providing these free meals since 1980.
“This important program has a direct impact on the quality of life for these children every day throughout the summer,” said Lisa Johnson, Interim Director, Houston Parks and Recreation Department. “Children who rely on free lunches at school are in real danger of going hungry when school lets out for the summer. The Summer Food Service Program provides nutritious meals at Houston community centers and many other sites from June 5 through August 11 so that this vulnerable population won’t go hungry.”
Families can find a Summer Food Service Program site by calling 2-1-1 and providing their zip code. Program sites can be found at H.P.A.R.D. community centers and partner organizations across the area.
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department has sponsored the Summer Food Service Program since 1980. The program is funded by the U.S.D.A. Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Child Nutrition Act and is administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Division. The meals are available free of charge to youth ages 1 – 18 at sites across the Greater Houston area. No registration is required. Families can find a Summer Food Service Program site by calling 2-1-1.