Summer in Texas isn’t just about scorching heatwaves and backyard barbecues—it’s also about ensuring our children stay healthy, active, and ready for the next academic year. Enter the 2025 Summer Meal Programs, brought to you by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and spearheaded by none other than Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.

This initiative is more than just meals—it’s about combating hunger, supporting local communities, and giving every child the chance to enjoy a bright, active summer. And here’s the best part: Nonprofits, schools, and local organizations can step up as sponsors, with federal reimbursements to make it all happen.

Why It Matters

When schools close their cafeterias for the summer, many children lose access to their most dependable meals. The TDA, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is bridging that gap with two key programs:

• Summer Food Service Program (SFSP): Perfect for schools, nonprofit camps, churches, and local governments.
• Seamless Summer Option (SSO): Designed for schools already participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), this option extends their services into the summer months.

In a state as vast as Texas, where rural areas and underserved communities face unique challenges, these programs are lifelines for children who might otherwise go hungry.

What’s New for 2025?

This year, the TDA is breaking barriers—literally! In 2025, organizations in rural areas can now apply to serve meals outside of traditional group settings and beyond standard service times. That means more kids, especially those in hard-to-reach areas, will have access to nutritious meals when they need them most.

Commissioner Sid Miller summed it up perfectly:
"In partnership with TDA, sponsors ensure kids who may not always get enough to eat have meals and snacks during the summer. These programs give kids the good nutrition they need to enjoy an active summer and prepare for success in the next school year."

How to Get Involved

Are you part of an organization ready to make a difference? Here’s how to get started:

Choose Your Program: Decide whether the SFSP or SSO aligns with your organization’s goals.

Apply Online: Visit SquareMeals.org to access application pages for SFSP and SSO programs.

Meet the Deadlines:

• SFSP for new sponsors: April 15, 2025
• Returning SFSP sponsors: May 1, 2025
• SSO sponsors: May 31, 2025

Training & Guidance: Attend TDA-provided training to ensure your organization operates within federal and state regulations.

Who Benefits?

Children aged 18 and under, along with adults with disabilities participating in public or nonprofit school programs, can enjoy these meals free of charge. Whether it’s in a bustling urban area or a quiet rural corner, TDA’s programs are designed to serve every eligible child in Texas.

Join the Movement

Texas is known for its big hearts and even bigger dreams. This summer, let’s turn those dreams into action. Nonprofits, churches, schools, and other organizations have the power to not just feed children but also fuel their potential.

Ready to make a difference? Start your application now at SquareMeals.org. Let’s make the summer of 2025 one where no child goes hungry, and every child has the energy to dream big.

💡 Pro Tip: Attend virtual training sessions and utilize TDA’s resources to craft a standout application.

A Call to Action for Houston

Houston, we have an opportunity. Let’s show the world how our city rises to every challenge. By partnering with TDA’s Summer Meal Programs, we can ensure our children not only survive the summer but thrive in it.

The clock is ticking—apply today and become part of a legacy that feeds both bodies and souls. 🌟