Tulsa Public Schools' Summer Café Provides Free Meals To Combat Food Insecurity For Children

This week, Tulsa Public Schools is launching its yearly Summer Cafe, which provides free breakfast and lunches to children.

Food insecurity is a big issue in Oklahoma and for some children, the breakfast, lunch, and snack provided at school may be the only meals they get.

The TPS Summer Cafe has been around for more than 30 years and is available for all children in Tulsa.

The goal is to ensure children have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer when they're not in school. Jorge Robles with TPS says they welcome all kids to come and get nutritious meals.

"We know that food insecurity in our community is a big issue, and we always strive as Tulsa Public School to close that gap,” Robles said. 

Hunger Free Oklahoma says during the school year, more than 80% of Tulsa’s students rely on free-and-reduced cost meals.

"We want to make sure that we're giving meals to all the kids who need it, and they just need to go to one of our sites,” Robles said. 

There will be 40 locations serving food this year and Robles says they plan to add more throughout the break.

"We encourage families and students to actually look at the location that is most convenient to where they live," Robles said. 

Breakfast is usually served between 7 and 9 a.m. and lunch is served between 11 a.m. and 12:30. Some locations might have different times than others, so it is best to check online before you arrive.

"It's so critical for children to continue to be fed with nutritious meal when they're not in school,” Robles said. 

Children do not have to attend TPS to be eligible for the free meals, just 18 years old or younger. The children must eat the meals on-site. The staff will have activities for the children to enjoy while they eat their food.

The TPS Summer Cafe runs June 1st until August 15th.

CLICK HERE for more information about Summer Cafe: