TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – The East Texas Food Bank is launching a program to provide free meals to kids 18 and under throughout the summer vacation months.
According to Feeding America, 1 in 4 children in East Texas doesn’t know where their next meal is going to come from. During the summer months when school is out, children that rely on the National School Lunch program don’t have the same resources available to them.
Child Hunger Programs Manager Maryon Wright said they are planning to serve as many as 106,000 meals. Last year, they offered over 59,000 meals, helping 2,900 kids across East Texas. To increase their reach, they are establishing new sites.
“This year, we’ve expanded by ten sites,” Wright said. “And with those sites, we’re partnering with schools, churches, parks and also libraries as well.”
There are no special qualifications to receive a meal, kids just have to be 18 or under and visit in person. They have five different breakfasts and lunches for people to choose from, “so every day you show up, there’ll be a different option,” Wright said.
A complete list of locations can be found on their website. An annual summer kickoff event will also take place at Glass Recreation Center on June 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Every child at that event will receive a meal, plus have a chance to enjoy face painting, balloon artists, free Kona ice and other attractions. The event is completely free.
If you’d like to volunteer with the East Texas Food Bank or make a donation, those options are on their website as well.
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