Summer Food Service Program Requirements

All program sites wishing to participate in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) must complete these requirements every year.

Kids Café

Nourishing, kid-friendly meals served year-round to children in child care, after-school and summer meal program sites throughout 18 southeast Texas counties.

  • Summer Meal Program

When school is out for the summer, organizations can partner with the Houston Food Bank to provide breakfast, lunch and snack options to nourish our youth. Through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), the Houston Food Bank provides more than 12,000 meals per day to more than 250 community sites.

Apply by May 9th for service in June
Apply by June 9th for service in July
Applications close on July 7, 2025

Program runs through: June 2, 2025 – August 8, 2025.

Due to an overwhelming response for our Summer Feeding program, applications are now closed.

Minimum Requirements to become a Kids Cafe Site

  • Complete a Kids Cafe Summer Feeding 2025 Application

  • Your organization must be located in an eligible area determined by the Texas Department of Agriculture

  • Provide meals for at least 15 children who are 18 years old or younger on a consistent basis

  • Maintain a safe, indoor space that will allow children to eat meals onsite, in a congregate setting

  • Operate for at least 2 days a week for 2 weeks

  • Maintain sufficient staffing to support meal services

  • Have Wi-Fi access

Non Congregate Rural Feeding Minimum Requirements

  • Complete a Kids Cafe Summer Feeding 2025 Application
  • Your organization must be located in an eligible, rural area determined by the Texas Department of Agriculture
  • Distribute at least 100 meals per meals service during each distribution
  • Maintain a safe place for pick up with sufficient storage space, freezer space is highly recommended
  • Operate for at least 2 weeks
  • Maintain sufficient staffing to support distribution

LOGISTICS REQUIREMENTS

  • Clearance of at least 14 feet (No low trees, power lines, signs or car ports)

  • Wide driveway large enough for truck like package delivery vehicles (No single driveways, truck cannot park on street)

  • Enough room for truck to maneuver and park away from other vehicles, pedestrians, or other structures/buildings

APARTMENT REQUIREMENTS

  • After-School / Summer Program located on 1st floor (No stairs)
  • Apartment Office is aware of Houston Food Bank partnership
  • Specify where food will be delivered (Program Building or Leasing Office)

For questions regarding Kids Cafe, please contact:

Kids Cafe Program
kidscafe@houstonfoodbank.org