government
Where to find free meals for kids this summer in Tarrant County
By McKinnon Rice at Fort Worth Report
· June 5, 2026
· 8 min read
Children during the year rely on the school lunch program. But when summer comes, so does a risk that they go hungry. A U.S. Department of Agriculture program, administered by Texas’ agency, helps fill the gaps. Eligible kids are those 18 years old and younger as well as people with disabilities who
Key takeaway Eligible kids are those 18 years old and younger as well as people with disabilities who are 21 and under and currently enrolled in school.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
For families in Tarrant County, the summer months can be a challenging time to ensure children have access to nutritious meals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture program, administered by Texas' agency, helps bridge this gap by providing free meals to eligible kids at various locations across the county. In Fort Worth, the Castleberry Independent School District is participating, with sites like Castleberry Elementary offering breakfast and lunch through June 30. Similarly, in Arlington, numerous locations, including schools, libraries, and YMCA centers, are serving meals to those in need. The Texas Department of Agriculture's website provides a comprehensive list of participating locations, making it easier for families to find a site near them. As the summer heat sets in, these programs will be crucial in supporting local families and ensuring that children in Tarrant County have access to the nutrition they need to thrive.
About this story
Original reporting by Fort Worth Report . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: government ·
Published: June 5, 2026 ·
Source: Fort Worth Report ·
Reading time: 8 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Children during the year rely on the school lunch program. But when summer comes, so does a risk that they go hungry. A U.S. Department of Agriculture program, administered by Texas’ agency, helps fill the gaps. Eligible kids are those 18 years old and younger as well as people with disabilities who
When was this published? This article was first published on June 5, 2026 by Fort Worth Report and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by McKinnon Rice at Fort Worth Report. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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