Commissioner Staples challenges Texas mayors to feed more hungry children this summer

AUSTIN – A recent report by Feeding America revealed staggering statistics, ranking Texas as the nationwide leader in food insecure children under 18, and ranking the state third for food insecure households – families who are unable to consistently access adequate amounts of nutritious food necessary for a healthy life. The eye-opening report prompted Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples to take action by challenging mayors across Texas to feed as many children as possible this summer through the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Summer Nutrition Programs.

“Texas is a leader in many things – child hunger should not be one of them,” Commissioner Staples said. “We need powerful partnerships to turn the tables and put healthy food on children’s plates. With resources administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture, mayors of Texas are in a position to improve the lives of children in their cities by generating awareness and working with organizations to feed hungry children. As Texans, we can and must do better.”

The federally funded Summer Nutrition Programs, administered by TDA, provide free meals during the summer to children who typically rely on meals served at school. Sponsoring organizations, such as schools, non-profits and churches are reimbursed for providing summer meals to low-income children.

San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro said he was happy to accept the challenge and eager to help decrease the number of hungry children in Texas.

“We will not shy away from setting bold goals for our city,” Castro said. “There should not be a day when a single San Antonian goes hungry, especially a child. Children are better equipped to learn and to succeed in the classroom if they are well fed.”

In 2008, 513 sponsors served just over 17.8 million meals to children through the program at 3,943 sites. For a list of this summer’s participating sites, visit www.squaremeals.org or call 211.