Free Food Distribution on July 17 Will Help Children, Families, Seniors

Children who rely on school meal programs often go without enough food over the summer. That’s one of the reasons this week’s mobile food pantry event at UNT Dallas on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 8 – 11 a.m. is so important. It’s an opportunity for families to receive healthy fruits and vegetables, dairy items and non-perishable products that will keep kids nourished until classes resume in August.

“Many kids receive breakfast and lunch at school. But during the summer months, their families struggle to afford three meals a day,” said Joe Posada-Triano, Senior Director of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management at UNT Dallas. “We want to support the community and spread the word about the July 17 distribution.”

Partnership Addresses "Summer Hunger"

The phenomenon known as “summer hunger” hits especially hard in low-income and underserved communities. They are often “food deserts” where affordable, nutritious products are hard to find because of a shortage of grocery stores. Fast food and junk food often fill the void.

“Through our partnership with the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB), we are helping ensure families, students and children of all ages can enjoy their summer while staying nourished and healthy, said Dr. Warren von Eschenbach UNT Dallas President. “It’s part of our mission to serve and strengthen our community.”

UNT Dallas partners with the NTFB for monthly drive-through distributions, usually held on the third Friday.

 “No child should face that kind of uncertainty, especially during the summer months when school meals aren’t available. That’s why the support of partners like UNT Dallas is so critical, said Trisha Cunningham, President and CEO of the NTFB. “Their commitment to showing up for neighbors, providing resources and helping us get meals to children and families is making a real and immediate difference.”

The drive-through distribution does not require pre-registration nor an ID. Recipients must have a vehicle, and food will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies run out.

Growing Need in Texas

Texas has more food insecure residents than any other state – 5.3 million, according to the Feed America, a national coalition of food assistance groups. An estimated 20% are children. New research from the New York Federal Reserve shows that the problem is getting worse.

“We find a remarkable increase in food insecurity, particularly among lower-educated and lower-income households and households with young children,” the report concluded.

Here’s a closer look at Feed America’s analysis of Texas:

• The rate of food insecurity is 17.6%, up from 16.4% in its last report
• 1 in 6 households is food insecure
• 1 in 5 children experience hunger
• 1 in 4 Latinos is food insecure
• 1 in 3 Blacks face food insecurity
• Texas has the highest rate of senior hunger at 13.6%

The monthly food distribution at UNT Dallas directly addresses those startling statistics by giving away thousands of pounds of food and assisting hundreds of individuals and families. So far this year, 106,000 pounds have been provided and 6,758 people have been served. Last year, 370,000 pounds of food were distributed to 19,702 people.

“Together, we’re working to ensure kids stay nourished, active and healthy, not just in the summer but all year long,” said Cunningham.”

Seniors and rural residents are also in need of nutritional support, according to Feed America. Everyone is welcome at the monthly distributions, regardless of age or address.

Anyone planning to visit this Friday’s event is encouraged to arrive early – well before the scheduled 8 a.m. opening. Each month, long lines of vehicles form along University Hills Blvd. as vehicles wait to enter the campus parking lot.

UNT Dallas is located in southern Dallas at 7300 University Blvd., Dallas, 75241. Food distribution takes place in Parking Lot #2, accessible from the south entrance of the campus, not the main entrance where the sign is located.