Summer Food Service Program Starts Soon
May 25, 2026 – AUSTIN, Texas — As schools across Texas wrap up the academic year, state leaders are reminding families that free meals will still be available to children throughout the summer months.
Sid Miller announced this week that the state’s Summer Meal Programs will begin offering no-cost meals at sites statewide starting on or around June 1. The program is administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) in partnership with schools, churches, city governments, and nonprofit organizations.
The initiative is designed to ensure children continue receiving nutritious meals even after school cafeterias close for the summer. Eligible participants include children 18 and younger, as well as students with disabilities up to age 21 who are enrolled in qualifying programs.
“Texas children should look forward to summer with excitement… rather than facing uncertainty about having enough food to eat,” Miller said, encouraging communities to help spread awareness about the program.
How Families Can Find Meals
State officials say two simple tools are available to help families locate nearby meal sites:
- An interactive map at SummerFood.org
- Dialing 2-1-1 to speak with a live operator in English or Spanish
Families are encouraged to confirm meal times and availability, as some locations—particularly in rural areas—may offer multi-day meal bundles instead of daily service.
Sulphur Springs ISD (SSISD) offers free, nutritious meals to all children 18 and younger through the federally funded Summer Food Service Program. No application, enrollment, or proof of income is required.
Key Program Details
- Location: Sulphur Springs Middle School (839 Connally St, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482)
- Dates: June 1st through June 30th
- Breakfast: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
- Lunch: 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Things to Know
- Meals must be consumed on-site at the campus.
- For additional food assistance, to-go options, or to locate nearby participating meal sites in Hopkins County, you can use the Texas Summer Meal Site Finder or call 2-1-1.
- For updates and full district nutrition policies, check the Sulphur Springs ISD homepage.
Background: Addressing Summer Hunger
Summer meal programs have long played a critical role in addressing food insecurity among children, particularly in low-income areas. During the school year, millions of students rely on free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs. When schools close, many families face gaps in access to consistent nutrition.
To qualify as a meal site location, areas must typically have at least 50 percent of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals during the school year. However, meals are provided at no cost to any eligible child, regardless of background.
Officials also note that participants cannot receive meals from multiple sites on the same day, a rule intended to ensure fair distribution of resources.
Looking Ahead
With summer approaching, state leaders say the success of the program depends not only on participation but also on awareness. By connecting families with nearby resources, officials hope to reduce food insecurity and ensure children across Texas have access to healthy meals while school is out.
