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The holiday season is upon us, bringing excitement, family time, and sometimes, questions about household resources. We at KIPP Texas Public Schools understand that recent news regarding changes to the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits may have caused some concern for our families.
We want to offer assurance: Recent state and federal-level changes do NOT impact your student’s access to free, nutritious meals here at KIPP Texas.
Our Promise: Zero Interruption to School Meals
At KIPP Texas, providing our KIPPsters with nutritious meals is a core part of supporting their academic success. One in four children is impacted by food insecurity, and we deeply recognize the importance of consistent nutrition. That’s why we are proud to continue operating the CEP (Community Eligibility Provision), which allows us to serve breakfast, lunch, and supper meals. (Supper meals are limited to schools that offer afterschool enrichment programs.)
Funding Secured for Consistent Support
Rest assured, these crucial nutrition services are securely supported by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The TDA has confirmed that Child Nutrition operations will proceed as normal, ensuring consistent meal support for our students throughout the year.
The Texas Commissioner of Agriculture issued an official statement on October 29, 2025, providing full details and reassurance that Child Nutrition operations will continue normally across Texas. Read the Commissioner’s full statement here.
Holiday Food Resources Across Texas
We understand that the holidays can bring both joy and added challenges. If your family or someone you know could use extra support this season, please explore these valuable resources compiled across Texas:
Thanksgiving Meal Requests & Support
- Operation Turkey: Visit Operation Turkey to see how you can request a prepared meal.
- Giving Thanks Event at North Campus in Austin on 11/20 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm offers 200 turkeys or hams (one per family, first come, first served) at the Dell Children’s Health Plan 2nd Annual Giving Thanks Event. Present your ID card to choose up to 3 sides.
- Metrocrest Services Thanksgiving Food Program (Addison, Carrollton, Coppell, Farmers Branch and City of Dallas 75287): Provides a frozen turkey and a bag of Thanksgiving food items for eligible residents. Check their website for application details.
- Annual Turkey Drive (PAVOTON) in San Antonio will take place on Thursday, November 22nd, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Donations will be accepted at Poco Loco, located at 3025 West Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201.
Food Bank Assistance by Region
At KIPP Texas, we aim to help our families find essential food resources in their communities. Below is a list of food pantries and assistance centers across our regions that can provide support.
Austin
- Central Texas Food Bank
As the area’s primary food bank, they can help you locate a nearby partner pantry and assist with SNAP applications.
Contact: 512-282-2111 (General) or 1-855-366-3401
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. - El Buen Samaritano Food Pantry
Provides emergency food assistance and diaper distribution through a no-appointment, drive-thru and walk-up service.
Contact: 512-439-8900
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. - Travis Central Austin Community Center
Offers food assistance, utility support, and case management services to help residents work toward self-sufficiency.
Contact: 512-854-4120
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Wednesday, 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Dallas
- North Texas Food Bank (NTFB)
Provides access to partner pantries and mobile distributions across the DFW area.
Contact: 214-269-0906 (SNAP Assistance) | Link: NTFB Find a Food Pantry
Hours: See ‘Find a Food Pantry’ tool for local hours. - Community Food Bank of Fort Worth
Provides essential food items to families in the Fort Worth area.
Contact: 817-924-3333 | Link: Community Food Bank of Fort Worth
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. - 4Saints Episcopal Food Pantry (Fort Worth)
A large pantry serving the nutritional needs of the community and a partner of the Tarrant Area Food Bank.
Contact: Check website | Link: 4Saints Episcopal Food Pantry
Hours: See website for current schedule.
Houston
- Houston Food Bank’s Emergency Food Pantry
Designed for working families who may not be able to visit their neighborhood pantry during regular hours.
Contact: 713-223-3700
Hours: Monday–Friday, 3:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. - East Spring Branch Food Pantry
Serving specific zip codes in the Houston area, this pantry offers food based on family size.
Contact: 713-464-0852
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. - West Houston Assistance Ministry (WHAM) Food Pantry
Drive-through service open to all zip codes, providing short-term relief and community support.
Contact: 713-780-2727
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. (or until supplies last)
San Antonio
- San Antonio Food Bank (SAFB) Helps residents locate nearby mobile pantries and distribution centers, and offers help with SNAP and other state benefits. Contact: 210-337-FOOD (3663) or 210-431-8326 (SNAP)Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Blessed Angels Community Center
An emergency food pantry serving low-income families, seniors, veterans, and the homeless.
Contact: 210-284-4391
Hours: Monday, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (by appointment only) - Sidewalk Saturday (Christ Episcopal Church)
An open pantry distribution, first-come, first-served, with no ID or registration required.
Contact: 210-736-3132
Hours: Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Meals for Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities
- Meals on Wheels Texas: Provides nutritious meals and friendly visits to homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Together, We’re Stronger
At KIPP Texas, we believe every child deserves access to healthy meals and a strong community of care. As you gather with loved ones this holiday season, please know that KIPP Texas stands beside our families, committed to nourishing both hearts and minds.
