For many, summer is a time to relax, have fun, and enjoy the longer sunny days. However, summer also means many students who qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches go without meals.
CitySquare is doing its part to help students get the meals they need while mixing in fun activities.
Meals are being served for the summer at dozens of sites across the metroplex. Children 18 years old and younger and enrolled students up to 21 years old with disabilities are eligible to receive a meal. Some locations offer free breakfasts, and some even provide free afternoon snacks in addition to lunches.
“The last few summers, we’ve had to pivot our program [due to] COVID, so this year we’re excited to turn back to normal and have kids celebrate with us,” Brianna Fleming, child nutrition program manager at CitySquare, told NBCDFW.
On Tuesday, the nonprofit hosted an event at Saint James Manor Apartments to provide healthy meals for groups of children and teens.
The children enjoyed painting, playing games, and interacting with CitySquare staff. Pepsi-Co and nonprofit Big Thought were also a part of the fun.
CitySquare was founded in 1988 by Dallas businessman Jim Sowell and became a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 1990.
In August 1994, current CEO Larry James joined the organization, which subsequently underwent several name changes until settling on CitySquare in October 2010. The new name reflects its commitment to equality, inclusion, and the idea that fighting poverty requires bringing the community together in the city’s heart.
Since its founding, CitySquare has impacted 50,000 lives through special programs such as the summer meal program. Their direct service programs include a food pantry, a mobile pantry, and a workforce training department.
To participate in CitySquare’s Child Nutrition program this summer, children and teens do not need identification but must eat on-site unless circumstances make it unsafe to do so. No reservations are required.
You can find locations for the summer meal sites by calling 211, texting “FOOD” to 304-304, or searching CitySquare’s interactive map. Meal sites will be active through mid-August.
CitySquare map image by squaremeals.org
