This summer, Arlington's youth have a place to turn to for healthy, no-cost meals, as Arlington ISD implements a program that ensures children 18 and under, as well as enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old, will not go hungry while school's out. According to the City of Arlington, the service will run from June 2 through August 5, Monday to Friday, excluding the Juneteenth and Independence Day holidays.
Two locations will serve as meal distribution points: the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library and the East Library and Recreation Center, with designated time slots for each. In the heart of Arlington, kids can pick up their lunch between 11:30 a.m. and Noon at 100 S. Center St., while over at 1817 New York Ave., food distribution goes from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. There are no restrictions based on school enrollment; all who fit the age criteria are welcome to enjoy their meals on site.
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), a national initiative backed by the USDA, finds its Texas chapter administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). Arlington ISD's partnership in this program places it among various organizations striving to meet the nutritional needs of children during the summer downtime. The SFSP's broader efforts can be scoped via a few handy resources. "Call 2-1-1 to speak to a live operator," advises the City of Arlington about methods of finding other meal sites. Furthermore, families can visit SummerFood.org or text "FOOD" or "COMIDA" to 304-304 to locate a site on the map.
