Hunger doesn’t take a vacation. According to the San Antonio Food Bank, more than 200,000 students living in low-income households in the San Antonio area rely on school meal programs for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch.
Summer nutrition programs exist to close the gap for low-income families when the school year – and access to free school breakfast and lunch – ends during summer vacation. There are several places to find free food in the summertime and other no-cost food resources all across San Antonio and surrounding areas.
Here are some places, times, and dates where you can find food, plus other resources that can help.
1 – Community First Food Pantries
Community First Health Plans has installed 50+ free food pantries across San Antonio and the neighboring towns in our service area. Most are located outdoors and you can access them 24/7/365. Anyone, children or adults, are welcome to take what they need from our food pantries. Check out the interactive map on our website to find a food pantry near you.
2 – Summer Food Service Program
The Summer Food Service Program provides children and teens ages 18 and younger and enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old a healthy meal throughout the summer at no cost, just by showing up at a participating meal site.
- Text FOODTX to 877-877
- Call 211
- Enter your zip code in the Summer Meals for Kids Sitefinder
3 – San Antonio Food Bank – Summer Meals for Kids
The San Antonio Food Bank is committed to supporting our community during the summer months through the Summer Meals for Kids Program. Kids 18 and under are eligible to access no-cost summer meals from any of the Summer Meal Sites listed. Children do not need to be enrolled in a specific San Antonio Food Bank program to receive a meal. Enter your zip code to find a Summer Meal Site near you.
4 – San Antonio Food Bank – FRESH TRAK Food Distribution Events
The San Antonio Food Bank organizes food distributions throughout San Antonio and surrounding counties through its FRESH TRAK program. Enter your zip code to find food locations that offer a Market distribution or our On-Site Curbside program or call 210-431-8326 for help finding a distribution near you.
5 – San Antonio Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels serves older adults. They will deliver fresh, hot meals to senior citizens and adults with disabilities at no cost. Submit a home-delivered meal service referral for yourself or others.
6 – SNAP Food Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps adults buy food they need for good health. People also can buy garden seeds with SNAP benefits. You can apply for SNAP benefits at YourTexasBenefits.com or call 211 for more information.
7 – Texas WIC
WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. WIC Provides no-cost monthly food packages, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and cooking demonstrations/recipes. You can apply for WIC at TexasWIC.org.
Food insecurity can happen to anyone. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. These resources are out there for you and your family to make life a little easier. Every kid deserves a happy and healthy summer!