Central Texas school districts have established feeding locations to ensure that their students remain healthy during the summer and are ready for the upcoming school year. For most children, the cafeteria is a place to recharge and prepare for learning in class during the academic year. KWTX reports that these feeding locations will provide students with the necessary sustenance to help them stay energized and healthy, as they enjoy their summer break.
School districts can now avail reimbursements from the government to cover the expenses of student meals during the summer. This is possible through various initiatives such as the summer food service program and the seamless summer option.
Brandy Moody, a parent who frequents the feeding location at the Temple Public Library during the summer, is one of the many beneficiaries of the program. According to her, having her son receive a free meal while she’s at work is a huge help to her finances.
Moody expressed her concern about the high cost of groceries, stating that a mere 10 items purchased from Walmart can easily add up to $70 to $80. This is why she is utilizing the Temple ISD’s library location during the summer, as it provides her with a cost-effective alternative.
Waco ISD and Temple ISD school districts offer free breakfast and lunch for students during the school year. In the summer, they also provide site locations where any child under 18 can receive a nutritious meal.
Ian Vestal, the School Nutrition Director of Temple ISD, explains that their district leverages the Summer Food Service program to secure funding for providing meals to children in central Texas. This program enables them to receive financial support for serving food to any child in the region.
Vestal explains that during the school year, there are many children who rely on breakfast and lunch provided by the school. However, when summer arrives, these children may not have access to the same meals. To address this issue, the state is encouraging schools to offer summer lunches and breakfasts to ensure that these children continue to receive the nourishment they need during the summer months.
To have feeding locations during the summer, school districts must apply through the Texas Department of Agriculture, which is responsible for administering the state’s feeding programs.
According to Lena Wilson, the Assistant Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture, aid can be provided to districts based on the number of economically disadvantaged families in their area.
According to Wilson, the applicants detail their plans for feeding children and the locations they intend to serve in their application. The approval process follows thereafter.
According to Kancy DeGrate, the Assistant School Nutrition Director at Temple ISD, school districts tend to select feeding locations that are easily accessible and community-friendly.
DeGrate stated that locations with effective programs that encourage community participation and have a pre-existing youth presence would be advantageous if they also offered breakfast and lunch services.
Katie Ballard, a parent in Temple ISD, frequently visits the public library with her son Adam. She finds it convenient that the district offers multiple locations that are easily accessible.
Ballard stated that all the locations are useful for parents who are out and about in town running errands and need to feed their children lunch. No matter where one is in town, they can easily decide which feeding site to go to.
In an effort to serve their community, school districts strive to make necessary adjustments, even in the face of unexpected challenges.
Temple ISD’s nutrition team was ready to accommodate more families and provide additional food following the devastating tornado that hit the area on May 22nd.
DeGrate remembers feeling concerned about the potential for a surge in participation following the power outages caused by the storm. Many people had to divert their finances to other expenses, such as repairing vehicles and replacing damaged belongings.
Central Texas nutrition teams are dedicated to serving their communities, ensuring that children maintain good health during the summer break and are prepared for the upcoming academic year. Julia Pennington, the Executive Chef at Waco ISD, emphasizes the importance of these programs in achieving this goal.
Pennington expressed, “You’re making a difference in the lives of students by providing them with the necessary nourishment to succeed in school.”
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