When the final bell rings in late May, many kids dream about summer fun, but for too many Central Texas families, the break from school means something much more serious: a break from reliable school-provided meals.
“Summer is a difficult time for some of our families,” says Ryan Cengel, Director of Food and Nutrition Services for Manor ISD. “They don’t have access to the free breakfast and lunch they count on during the school year. Hunger becomes a much bigger issue.”
We see the need firsthand at CTFB. During the summer months, the demand for food increases as families stretch limited budgets even further. Without school-provided meals, thousands of children risk going without the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
That’s where our summer meal programs come in. With the support of donors and volunteers, CTFB is able to provide access to free, nutritious meals for kids at mobile food pantries, community centers, and other trusted sites across Central Texas. These meals help bridge the gap so that summer can be a time of possibility, not hardship.
In Manor ISD alone, more than 8,000 students receive free lunch each school day. That kind of volume highlights just how critical school nutrition programs are and just how urgent the need becomes when schools close for summer break.
“We have a high number of food insecure families in our district,” Cengel explains. “Access to free meals is essential to help our students succeed in and out of the classroom.”
Your gift this summer helps make sure no child has to worry about where their next meal will come from. It turns an empty plate into a full one. A stressful summer into a safe one.
You can help provide meals that make summer possible.
Donate now to support and nourish our neighbors all summer long.
