AISD will feed kids for free this summer

Summer is around the corner, but kids who rely on Austin Independent School District’s meal program won’t go hungry. In fact, no kids need go hungry: AISD will provide free meals for any child under 19 at its meal locations around Austin while school is out. No registration or identification is required and “children may show up at any participating site to receive a healthy meal,” according to AISD’s news release. On weekdays the district offers breakfast and lunch, which can be picked up from more than 70 curbside and bus stop meal sites (view a map of meal sites). A weekend meal pack is available Fridays, containing breakfast and lunch for Saturday and Sunday. If a parent or caregiver is picking up a meal for a child without the child present, they must show one of the following documents:

• Student report card
• Attendance record
• Birth certificate for children not in school
• Student ID cards

Anneliese Tanner, the executive director of food services, said, “Children need good nutrition year-round so they can learn, grow and succeed in life. With more families impacted by the effects of Covid-19, we know food insecurity is on the rise in Austin. We are proud to continue to provide access to healthy, tasty meals for children throughout our community.” Starting Monday, June 1, the curbside meal sites will open earlier, moving service from 9-11 a.m. The bus stop meal delivery schedule will also be adjusted. There will be no meals over the Independence Day holiday, July 6-10, while the district is closed.