Free summer food program

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank (ETFB) kicks off the free Summer Food Program for children on Tuesday, June 2, at 43 East Texas locations with a special event at the Glass Recreation Center in Tyler from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. featuring food, activities and more. The PepsiCo Foundation’s Food for Good sponsors the event.

“It’s so important to make sure children do not go hungry in the summer just because school is out,” said David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. “Here in East Texas, 1 in 4 children are food insecure so it’s up to our community to make sure we fill that meal gap when the school year ends and kids lose access to free and reduced-price meals they depend on.”

Food for Good is helping transform food access in rural and underserved communities by using PepsiCo’s logistical expertise to deliver nutritious meals year-round. This summer, its partnership with the ETFB will help ensure children do not go hungry when school is out—tackling geographic, financial, and systemic barriers to food access.

“Summer hunger is one of the most urgent yet solvable challenges we face,” said Andrea Moribe, Director of Food for Good, PepsiCo Foundation. “Our collaboration with the ETFB is a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can bridge access gaps and deliver real solutions to families when they need them most.”

This summer, ETFB expects to serve 100,000 meals to over 4,500 children. Meals are provided at various community sites Monday-Friday. There is no need to register. The program is for children 18 and younger.

For the full list of locations and serving times, click here or call 903-597-3663.