SAN ANTONIO – While most students will be thrilled for summer break next week, many families will be worried because their kids may lose access to breakfast and lunch provided through school lunch programs.
"For a lot of families, summer is crisis time," said Eric Cooper, San Antonio Food Bank CEO. "We'll be doing all we can to nourish kids from the time they get out of school to the time they go back."
One in four children in the community is considered food-insecure. Come summer, the need increases.
The SA Food Bank is preparing to fill the gap and tummies, sending out as many as six million meals. But it is asking for help.
"We need volunteers because we're going to be making the meals and getting those out to community sites," Cooper said.
The meals are sent to various community centers where children gather like community centers, housing locations and day cares.
Jackie Barham and her daughter are already volunteering their time.
"I feel a sense of wholeness, being able to give back and know that we are affecting the lives of children here in San Antonio," Barham said.
In addition to volunteers, the Food Bank needs donations. One dollar can be leveraged to provide seven meals, according to Cooper. Food donations are also welcome, particularly nutritious kid-friendly products during the summer months.
In addition to sending out meals for children, the Food Bank will continue to help stock food pantries with some 500 partner sites where low-income families can access groceries.
Click here for more information about locations, qualifications and how to volunteer.
Many schools districts, including SAISD, NISD and NEISD, will be offering free breakfasts and lunches at some of their campuses as part of the Texas Department of Agriculture's nutrition programs.
The school district websites also have information, or you can call 211.