Summer Food Service Program Sites

HPARD’s Summer Food Service Program, for youth ages 1 to 18, will operate from June 10 - August 23, 2013. This program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), administered through Texas Department Agriculture and sponsored locally by HPARD since 1980.

For the 2013 Summer Season, HPARD has teamed up with the the Walmart Foundation’s Texas State Giving Program to alleviate childhood hunger in Houston.

The Summer Food Service Program operates Monday through Friday at more than 470 sites in Houston and Harris County throughout the summer. No registration is required. SFSP meals are served at Houston Parks and Recreation Department Community Centers and other participating locations including: churches, apartment complexes, learning centers and other nonprofit organizations.

The nutritious packed lunches are prepared and delivered daily to each site and comply with federal and state requirements. They include one serving of milk, two or more servings of vegetables and/or fruits, one serving of grain or bread, and one serving of meat or meat alternative.

Lunch is served 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and a healthy snack is served 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. To find a site near you call 2-1-1 or 713.676.6832 and give the operator your zip code.

To Become a Summer Food Service Site

Since 1980, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department has sponsored The Summer Food Service Program for youth. Current registration to become a summer food service site for the summer of 2013 closes on April 12, 2013.

To register your organization to become a Summer Food Service Site in 2013 the following requirements must be met:

• Complete and return a 2013 Request to Participate Form now available from the Department's Summer Food Service Program Office and online.
• Participate in and pass a Pre-Approval Visit. This visit is required to determine that site locations have the facilities to provide meal service for the anticipated number of participants in attendance and the capability of conducting the proposed meal service.
• Attend a Site Supervisor's Training Session before the 2013 Summer Food Service Program operation begins. Site staff are required to attend this session and a Summer Food Service Program Operating Manual is provided.
• Participate in continuing site visits by the Summer Food Service Program Staff throughout the program's operation. These visits are conducted to ensure that the program operates smoothly and to verify information. Please note that UNANNOUNCED site visits are conducted by City and State officials.
• Site Supervisor maintains accurate records of meals that are served. No billing or food preparation is involved. The Summer Food Service Program is FREE for youth.

For more information on becoming a Summer Food Service Program site, contact Sheila Pous by phone at 713.676.6832 or by e-mail to sheila.pous@houstontx.gov.