HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 26-0083 - 2026-08-04 - Informal Report
1 of 2 1.3.10 SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM UPDATES - DAVE LEWIS, PARK AND RECREATION DIRECTOR
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
SUBJECT: SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM UPDATES - DAVE LEWIS, PARK AND
RECREATION DIRECTOR
DATE: 08/04/26 NUMBER: IR 26-0083
TO THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
The purpose of this informal report is to provide an update on the Park & Recreation
Department’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) for 2026.
The SFSP is a federally funded program that provides free, nutritious meals to children and
teens (age 18 and under) during the summer. The program is administered by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). Meals are
available at participating community centers, schools, and parks with no paperwork or
enrollment required.
For summer 2026, the Park & Recreation Department partnered with its existing sponsor,
which also provides meals for the After School Meal Program, to serve meals at 22
community centers. The sponsor began service on June 8, pending TDA approval. On June
25, staff were notified that TDA denied the sponsor’s application, meaning they would not be
reimbursed and could only continue meal service through June 30.
The sponsor agreed to continue serving meals at the approved TDA rate through July while
staff sought alternatives. Staff worked with City management to secure emergency funding
of $162,272 to ensure uninterrupted meal service for summer camp. Staff also contacted TDA
and other organizations for assistance, which led to identifying a new sponsor approved to
serve meals at 21 sites.
The new sponsor, Education Potential Verified, completed required agreements and staff
training and began providing meals on July 13 at no cost to the City, as they are eligible for
TDA reimbursement. One community center was not eligible for free SFSP meals; the original
sponsor continued serving that site for July at the TDA-approved rate, covered by the City.
2 of 2 An M&C is scheduled for the August 11, 2026, City Council Meeting to request ratification of the
appropriation of funds to pay the original program sponsor for services rendered.
For questions regarding this information, please contact Dave Lewis, Park & Recreation
Department Director at 817-392-5717.
Jesus “Jay” Chapa
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS