Youth Meal Programs

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Youth Meal Programs

Houston Parks and Recreation Department is committed to reducing child hunger by providing access to free nutritious meals to school aged children, 18 years and under. Every year, we team up with over 100 sites in Houston and surrounding Houston areas to ensure that kids in underprivileged areas have somewhere to go during the summertime and after school to receive a free meal.

Meals are offered year-round through our Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and our Child/Adult Care Food Program (CACFP-After-School Meal Program) and are made possible through federally funded grants from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). All meals meet or exceed USDA health requirements, and feature items such as lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and cold milk.

From June to August, our Summer Food Service Program offers free breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from September to May, our After School Meal Program offers free supper and snack, Monday through Friday, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

All participating sites are located in an area where more than half of the kids that attend a nearby school receive free or reduced lunch. All locations are supervised and offer a wealth of stimulating educational activities. Meals are offered on a first come, first served basis, and must be served and consumed on site.

To locate one of our many feeding locations, or if you would like to partner with us to become a feeding location during the summer or during the school year, please call 713-676-6832.

AFTER-SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAM
SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM
REQUEST TO PARTICIPATE APPLICATION

AFTER SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAM

Want a free after-school meal?
The CACFP (Child/Adult Care Food Program) also known as the After-School Meal Program provides free nutritious meals to school aged children 18 years and under at qualifying locations in Houston and surrounding Houston areas. Through the After-School Meal Program, children are also able to expand their educational, social, and recreational skills in a safe place. Additionally, research indicates programs that offer after-school meals see improved behavior and attendance.

This year, the program will operate from September 5, 2023, to May 31, 2024, Monday through Friday, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Currently, meals are being offered at roughly 50 Houston Parks and Recreation community centers.

To get a free meal, simply stop by one of our participating locations during meal service time and enjoy a supper and/or a snack. Meals are distributed on a first come, first served basis, and must be served and consumed on site during meal service operating hours. Meal service times/days may vary by site. For more information regarding a feeding location or meal service times, please call 713-676-6832.

Want to become an After-School Meal Program location?
Are you passionate about reducing child hunger? If so, we would love for you to partner with us to become an after-school feeding location. There is no out of pocket cost to become a feeding location. We will provide the food as well as the training. Simply complete an application in its entirety and email it to asmp@houstontx.gov. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Applications are accepted year-round and are accepted via email ONLY.

Ages:	1 - 18
Registration:	Not Required
Fee:	FREE
Program Dates	Sep. 5, 2023 – May 31, 2024 Mon. - Fri. ONLY
Time:	3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Exact meal service times, days and meal types offered may vary by location. Before visiting a location, please call to confirm.
Information:	713.676.6832 asmp@houstontx.gov

SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM

Want a free summer meal?
This summer, Houston Parks and Recreation Department Summer Food Service Program will provide free nutritious meals to school aged children 18 years and under at qualifying locations in Houston and greater Houston area. For children who rely on meals during the summer, these meals offer a great source of nutrition when school is out for the long summer vacation.

The summer food program will operate from June 10, 2024, to August 16, 2024, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. To get a free meal, simply stop by one of our participating locations during meal service time and enjoy breakfast and/or lunch. Meals are distributed on a first come, first served basis, and must be served and consumed on site during meal service operating hours. Meal service times/days may vary by site. For more information regarding a feeding location or meal service times, please call 713-676-6832.

Want to become a Summer Food Service Program location?
Are you passionate about reducing child hunger? If so, we would love for you to partner with us to become a summer food feeding location. There is no out of pocket cost to become a feeding location. We will provide the food as well as the training. Simply complete Request to Participate Applicationin its entirety and email it to summerfood@houstontx.gov. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. The deadline to submit an application for the 2024 program year is March 11, 2024. Applications are accepted via email ONLY.

Ages:	1 - 18
Registration:	Not Required
Fee:	Free
Program Dates:	June 10, 2024 - Aug 16, 2024 Monday-Friday ONLY
Time:	9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Exact meal service times, days and meal types offered may vary by location. Before visiting a location, please call to confirm.
Offer:	Breakfast and Lunch
Contact:	713.676.6832 summerfood@houstontx.gov 2-1-1 (give operator your zip code for closest site to you)

2024 Summer Food Service Program Request to Participate Application (.pdf)