School districts across Tarrant County are making sure that children who rely on school meals don’t go hungry while schools are closed due to COVID-19 precautions. Many schools have gone to a twice a week delivery schedule. Per federal program requirements, parents may not pick up meals for children without their children being present. Children, however, will be issued meals if they arrive unaccompanied. All meals are pre-bagged, served in to-go fashion.
Find details for your child’s school district on their individual websites:
Boys & Girls Clubs / YMCA
To supplement these school efforts, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County are delivering evening meals and snacks Monday through Friday at seven county locations. Details can be found here.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth is also feeding kids two days a week from eight YMCA locations and Monday through Friday at two Eagle Mountain Saginaw schools. Learn more here.
Food Banks and Other Resources
The Tarrant Area Food Bank continues to distribute food via food pantries in collaboration with area nonprofits. Visit the TAFB Find Food portal to locate a food pantry near you. Note, some pantries have temporarily cancelled their distribution dates. Monetary donations are needed to offset increased demand.
The Community Food Bank (3000 Galvez Avenue, Fort Worth 76111) continues to provide food; Please call ahead to check operating hours: 817-924-3333. Due to increased demand, the food bank is in need of donations and volunteers. To learn how you can help, visit their website: food-bank.org.
The Tarrant County Food Policy Council has created an online portal that lists some of these resources along with additional organizations serving seniors and children. Find it here.
Individuals 60 and older who do not have enough food during COVID-19 or are experiencing reduced nutritional support from families can receive a weekly home delivery of five frozen meals (per person) from Meals On Wheels of Tarrant County and a 10-pound box of senior-friendly canned goods and fresh produce from Tarrant Area Food Bank. All items will be delivered by Catholic Charities Fort Worth. Client referrals should be made to Meals On Wheels of Tarrant County online or by calling 817-336-0912.
Low-Cost Healthy Food Options
Additional resources for low-cost healthy food options include:
Cowtown Farmers Market – The market, located on the Benbrook Traffic Circle (3821 Southwest Blvd., Fort Worth 76116) remains open on Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon and is now accepting the Lone Star Card (SNAP).
Gardens on the Go – Selling a large bag of fresh produce for $5 a bag on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month at two locations: 8 – 10 a.m. at Higher Praise Family Church, 2909 Horton Rod, Fort Worth 76119; and 10 – 11:30 a.m. at Harvesting Hope/First Christian, 910 S. Collins, Arlington 76010.
Taste Project – The nonprofit’s Taste Community Restaurant (1200 South Main, Fort Worth 76104) is closed to the public but is offering to-go meals to any family in need during limited pick-up hours Tuesday through Sunday.