AUSTIN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced that the Texas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for its 2024 Summer Meal Programs.

The programs are aimed at connecting eligible agencies and organizations with federal funds to provide healthy meals to kids when schools are closed for the summer.

“Sponsoring the Summer Meal Programs demonstrates an organization’s commitment to ensuring the children in their communities continue to thrive,” said Commissioner Miller.

Officials with the TDA said the department works to address childhood hunger during the summer by partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to administer the federally funded Summer Meal Programs.

The TDA said the Summer Food Service Program aims to provide schools, nonprofit summer camps, governmental entities and other nonprofit organizations with the opportunity to serve meals to children.

“When school cafeterias close for the summer break, many Texas children look to the Summer Meal Programs for good nutrition. In partnership with TDA, these sponsors provide the healthy meals kids need for an active summer that will help them succeed when they return to school for the new academic year,” said Miller.

Officials said meals will be provided to individuals aged 18 and under without charge. Adults who are over 18 can be eligible for summer meals if a state educational agency or local public educational agency determines that they “have a mental or physical disability and who participate in a public or nonprofit private school program established for people with mental or physical disabilities.”

The TDA said the meals must be sponsored by an organization with a contract with the TDA and has taken TDA-provided training.

Officials said approved SSO and SFSP sponsors will be reimbursed for meals served to children who operate in accordance with federal and state regulations.

The TDA said the SFSP application deadline for new sponsors and those requiring more thorough review is April 15 and all other returning SFSP sponsors must apply by May 1. The deadline for all SSO applications is May 31.

Sponsors can go to SquareMeals.org to determine if their organization qualifies and for more information.