Abilene Hunger Coalition provides free lunches to community

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – The Abilene Hunger Coalition is once again providing free lunches to children, students, and families this summer through August 8 at the following locations:

The coalition supports students, children, and families in need, as well as organizations that want to help. Funded by private donations, the program is available to anyone in need of a meal.

To keep the food safe, meals are delivered in insulated bags. The menu changes weekly and is reviewed by nutrition experts at Abilene Christian University (ACU). Each meal includes a variety of fresh vegetables.

“We started in 2018, making meals for students,” said Almanza, a member of the coalition. “We use the kitchens at Highland and University Church. Each kitchen prepares about 200 meals that we hand out at different sites — Ortiz, Mann, Southern Hills, Mockingbird Library — and our cooking team at the university prepares meals too.”

Stephanie Prosser, a Rotary Club member, said volunteering with the coalition has been meaningful.

“It feels great to help serve our community and feed people,” she said. “We’re all in this together. Helping others meet their basic needs is important — for families, individuals, and the community. Everyone deserves to be supported and cared for.”

In addition to the summer program, the coalition also helps connect people to food resources throughout the year, working with groups like the Salvation Army, Love and Care Ministries, and City Lights Ministries.

Almanza said the coalition focuses on helping AISD students who need support.

“About 70% of AISD students come from low-income families and qualify for free or reduced-price meals,” Almanza said. “We’re filling in the gap because many of these kids don’t have access to food when school is out. Feeding people is our way of showing love and care — it’s something we believe we’re called to do.”

Visit the Abilene Hunger Coalition website to learn more, make a donation, or find a meal location near you.