Harlandale ISD serving thousands of free meals during summer break

District free meal program to last 6 weeks

SAN ANTONIO – The need to feed hungry kids doesn’t end when school lets out for summer break.

The Harlandale School District is doing its part to help by providing meals for their community during the summer months.

During these past few weeks, David Nava has been bringing his grandchildren, Cason and Carly, to school for free hot meals.

"For us, it's convenient because we live across the street," Nava said. "You bring the kids over here, get them prepared for being at the school, especially my two grandkids."

RELATED: School districts offering free meals this summer

Nava has other grandchildren enrolled in summer programs at Harlandale, but the "Summer Meals Program" allows him to bring his two-year-old grandkids, who are still too young to go to school.Harlandale, but the "Summer Meals Program" allows him to bring his 2-year-old grandkids, who are still too young to go to school.

One in four children in our area will go hungry this summer, the San Antonio Food Bank announced Wednesday.

"It's very beneficial because anybody, grandparents can bring their kids, if they're babysitting," said Roxanne Rivas, Harlandale’s child nutrition supervisor. "They can eat a free meal that is balanced and nutritious."

The Summer Meals Program is free for all children 18 and younger and includes breakfast and lunch.

"A lot of families in this area might have challenges as far as paying for meals during summer months, buying groceries or stuff like that," said Rivas.

Last week, 4,800 meals were served at lunch and 2,700 at breakfast.

"It's a great benefit for the community," Rivas said. “It's wonderful to see the kids to come in off the streets. It's a nice cool place to eat and it's free."

The program started last week and will continue through July 13.

Summer meals are available at 17 different campuses, including Harlandale High School and McCollum High School.

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About the Author:

Stephanie Serna is a weekday anchor on Good Morning San Antonio and GMSA at 9 a.m. She joined the KSAT 12 News team in November 2009 as a general assignments reporter.