Summer is a time for fun, freedom—and for far too many families in North Texas, uncertainty about where the next meal will come from.  

In Dallas County, one in four children face food insecurity, meaning they don’t know where their next meal will come from. The situation is growing even worse for many local families, as their budgets are being stretched by rising food and gas prices—a challenge that is hitting lower income people the hardest, according to recent research by the New York Federal Reserve Bank.  

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we understand the importance of food access—because without it, families and individuals aren’t able to reach their full potential. That’s why next month we’re bringing the community together for one of our most impactful events of the year—the Summer Meals Kickoff sponsored by Vistra, DN Tanks, PepsiCo, Rocket Mortgage and Dallas Independent School District. This vibrant, family-friendly celebration—which is part of our Aspire United Volunteer Series presented by Texas Instruments—is designed to ensure children have access to the nutritious food and support they need all summer long. 

Summer Meals Kickoff 

Wednesday, June 10, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Albert C. Black Jr. STEAM Academy (4200 Bonnie View Road, Dallas) 

Interested in being part of the fun? We’ll provide you with helpful resources on how to get free meals throughout the summer. You’ll also enjoy free meals during the event, free groceries to take home, snow cones from Kona Ice, music and inflatables, and resources focused on nutrition, wellness and healthy living. 

Register here to secure your spot. 

A Celebration with a Purpose 

Our annual Summer Meals Kickoff is an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together. 

This high-energy morning will provide support to local families by offering: 

• Free meals from Dallas ISD Food and Nutrition Services that will include brisket sandwiches, vegetables, loaded baked potatoes and milk  

• Resources on how to access free meals throughout the summer 

• Free groceries to take home 

• Snow cones from Kona Ice 

• A craft station, fun temporary tattoos, DIY pinwheels and a soccer themed painting craft 

• A soccer challenge game, football, baseball batting, a carnival booth, a Connect 4 basketball game, bubbles, Jenga, cornhole and a soccer relay race 

• Music and inflatables 

• Resources focused on nutrition, wellness and healthy living 

But the real work happens after the inflatables come down: connecting families to year-round food programs, school district resources and community partners who can help when the next tough month rolls around.   

Childhood hunger doesn’t just mean an empty stomach. Kids who don’t eat regularly fall behind in school, miss more class days and carry health consequences into adulthood—which is why food access sits at the center of United Way’s work across education, income and health. 

Why Summer Matters So Much 

During the school year, thousands of children rely on school-based meal programs. When summer hits, those reliable meals disappear—and food insecurity rises. 

Our team works year-round with supporters like you to close that gap by expanding access, strengthening partnerships and raising awareness across North Texas. Last year, our Summer Meals Kickoff served around 1,200 of our neighbors, distributing more than 670 hot meals and about 400 boxes of produce to improve food security. 

“Summer should be a time for kids to grow, play and thrive—not worry about where their next meal will come from,” said Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton president and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “The Summer Meals Kickoff is an opportunity for our community to come together, point families toward the resources available and make sure no child in North Texas is left hungry.” 

Powered by Partnership 

Events like this demonstrate the power of our collaborative approach to community impact. We’re deeply grateful to the sponsors who made this event possible: 

• Aspire United Volunteer Series Sponsor: Texas Instruments 

• Event Sponsors: PepsiCo, Vistra, Rocket Mortgage and DN Tanks 

Support Food Access for All  

With hundreds of families expected to attend, the Summer Meals Kickoff is a powerful example of what community action looks like in real time. Volunteers, partners and neighbors come together to create a welcoming environment where families can access the resources they need—and kids can simply be kids. 

Your support makes it possible for United Way of Metropolitan Dallas to expand food access programs, connect families to critical resources and ensure children have the nutrition they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives—not just in the summer, but all year long. 

Donate today to support our food access initiatives and ensure no child in North Texas goes hungry. Together, we can turn summer into a season of opportunity—for every child.