Summer Meals
For Kids
“Food Is One Of The Most Powerful Ways We Can Support Our Kids”
Featuring Mrs. Pamela Hansen, Somerset ISD Thrive Center
As summer approaches, thousands of children across Southwest Texas face a difficult reality: the meals they depend on during the school year suddenly disappear.
Across the San Antonio Food Bank’s 29-county service area, 1 in 4 children is at risk of food insecurity. When schools close for summer break, many families are left trying to fill the gap left behind by school breakfasts and lunches — a challenge that contributes to an estimated 20 million meal gap each summer.
For educators like Mrs. Pamela Hansen, counselor at Somerset ISD’s Thrive Center, the impact of nourishment on children is something she sees firsthand every day.
“Food is so basic, but it’s one of the most powerful ways we can support our kids,” Mrs. Hansen shared during a recent interview with the Food Bank. “Without it, they can’t focus, they can’t process, they can’t learn.”
At the Thrive Center, support extends far beyond academics. Through partnerships with the San Antonio Food Bank, students and families are connected with food assistance and resources that help create stability during difficult times.
“There’s so much families can’t control,” Mrs. Hansen explained. “But knowing their child will eat — that brings relief.”
That relief matters.
Summer can place added financial pressure on households already balancing rising costs, childcare needs, and work schedules. Programs like Summer Meals for Kids help ensure children continue receiving nutritious meals and snacks throughout the summer months at no cost to families.
But the impact reaches beyond food alone.
Reliable nourishment helps children stay energized, engaged, and ready to learn when they return to school. It helps families breathe a little easier. It reminds children that their community cares deeply about their wellbeing.
This summer, the San Antonio Food Bank’s Summer Meals for Kids campaign is working to help children across Southwest Texas have access to nutritious meals, groceries, and support throughout the summer break.
Because every child deserves the opportunity to grow, thrive, and enjoy summer without hunger standing in the way.
