Hays CISD Free Summer Meals Program Returns, Offering Breakfast and Lunch for Children Across the Community
As summer break begins, many families face the challenge of replacing the breakfasts and lunches students typically receive during the school year. To help bridge that gap, Hays CISD is once again offering free summer meals for children throughout the community, ensuring that young residents continue to have access to nutritious food while school is out.
Beginning June 1, 2026, free breakfast and lunch meals will be available at Science Hall Elementary School and Lehman High School for all Hays community members age 18 and younger, as well as enrolled students with disabilities up to age 21. The program is designed to provide families with a reliable source of healthy meals during the summer months, when access to school nutrition programs is often unavailable.
For many households, summer meal programs offer more than convenience. They help reduce food insecurity, ease grocery costs, and ensure children have the nutrition they need to stay active, engaged, and healthy throughout the break.
Why This Matters for Hays Families
The Hays CISD Summer Meals Program provides an important community resource at a time when many families are balancing summer childcare schedules, camps, and increased household expenses. By offering free meals with no cost to families, the district is helping ensure that every child has access to nutritious food regardless of income level.
The program is open to all eligible children in the Hays community. No cost is associated with participation, and meals are served onsite. All meals must be consumed at the meal location.
Summer Meal Locations and Schedules
Science Hall Elementary School
- Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m
- Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Meal service dates:
- June 1–5
- June 8–12
- June 15–18
- June 22–26
- June 29
Lehman High School
- Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
- Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Meal service dates:
- June 1–4
- June 8–11
- June 15–18
Meals are offered Monday through Thursday at both locations, with Science Hall Elementary providing additional service dates through the end of June.
A Community Investment in Student Well-Being
Summer nutrition programs play an important role in supporting student wellness beyond the classroom. Research consistently shows that access to healthy meals contributes to better physical health, improved concentration, and stronger readiness for learning when students return to school in the fall.
By continuing this annual initiative, Hays CISD is helping families stay connected to valuable resources while reinforcing its commitment to student success year-round.
Questions About the Program?
Families seeking additional information about Hays CISD summer meal locations, eligibility, or meal service schedules can contact the district at 512-268-1336.
What Happens Next
Meal service begins June 1 and continues through June 29 at participating campuses. Families are encouraged to take advantage of the program throughout the summer and share the information with neighbors, relatives, and friends who may benefit.
As communities across Hays County work together to support local children, programs like these help ensure that summer remains a season of opportunity, growth, and well-being for every student.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more local education news, family resources, and community updates from across Hays CISD.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.