Texarkana’s Summer Food Program Tackles Childhood Hunger

By: Ark-La-Tex Staff Writer

The Harvest Regional Food Bank has launched its annual Summer Feeding Program across Texarkana and surrounding counties, working in partnership with local churches, schools, and community organizations to address food insecurity among children during the summer months. With school cafeterias closed, the initiative ensures that children continue receiving nutritious meals throughout the break.

The program is open to all children ages 1 to 18, with no registration or income requirements. Meals are provided in two formats: “Feeding Lunch” served on-site at designated locations, and Grab-and-Go packages that allow parents to pick up multiple days’ worth of meals. In Arkansas, the program runs from May 19 through August 1, while in Texas, service continues through mid-August. Dozens of sites across Bowie, Miller, Columbia, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Nevada, Pike, and Sevier Counties are participating.

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue across the region, with nearly one in five children in Arkansas lacking reliable access to nutritious food. The program not only provides essential nutrition but also seeks to counter the “summer slide,” a well-documented decline in academic performance and health during school breaks. Many meal distribution sites pair food service with library story times and educational activities to support both physical and cognitive development.

The initiative’s reach is made possible by a wide network of community partners. Locations such as First Baptist Redwater, Mount Orange Baptist Church, and Life House Church offer both meal formats, while Emerson Community Outreach, Glory Bee Ministries, and public libraries extend the program’s reach into rural communities. All operations fall under the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program, ensuring compliance with national nutrition standards.

Meals are designed to meet USDA guidelines, including appropriate servings of protein, fruits, vegetables, and milk. The program emphasizes ease of access, with no paperwork required, families can simply show up. Each week, thousands of meals are distributed, significantly reducing the risk of summer hunger and providing safe, supportive environments where families can connect with volunteers and neighbors.

The Summer Feeding Program will continue through late July or early August, depending on the site. Harvest Regional Food Bank encourages families to call (870) 774‑1398 for the most up-to-date information about meal locations and times. Looking ahead, organizers are planning to expand the program’s offerings by integrating nutrition education and summer reading activities, exploring evening and weekend distribution in underserved areas, and deepening partnerships with local school districts as students prepare to return to the classroom.

With its focus on health, access, and community, Texarkana’s Summer Feeding Program stands as a crucial resource for families. By bridging the nutritional gap during the school break, it helps ensure that children across the region remain nourished, supported, and ready to thrive.