Killeen ISD is offering free evening meals at 45 campuses this fall through its Supper Program, giving students access to healthy food after the school day and helping families reduce stress around evening routines.
The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Child and Adult Care Food Program. It launched in a limited format last year and now includes elementary schools across the district. Middle and high schools will join in October. Every student at a participating campus is eligible, with no income restrictions or qualifications.
The “supper” meal is served immediately after dismissal, giving children a nutritious option before they head home.
“Killeen ISD is proud to lead in this area,” said Steve Smith, the district’s executive director of school nutrition. “By making sure our students have access to nutritious meals beyond the school day, we are investing in their long-term success.”
At Harker Heights Elementary, where about 74 percent of students come from low socioeconomic households, Principal Dr. Tiphani Morris said the program is making a meaningful difference.
“Currently, we serve about 500 students each day, Monday through Friday,” Morris said. “The program ensures three meals a day for our students and helps parents who are balancing after-school practices and events.”
Parents have noticed the impact, too.
“I work late, and my kids get hungry,” said Tamrin Silva, mother of three Harker Heights Elementary students. “They have something to eat to tide them over until I get off at 9 o’clock and can make dinner. It takes the stress off me because they’ve had a little something, and they can relax, and I can relax a little.”
Smith said the program is about more than food.
“This program is about removing barriers so our students can learn and thrive,” he said. “When children have consistent access to healthy meals, they can better focus, participate, and succeed both inside and outside the classroom.”
The Supper Program is currently available at:
Alice W. Douse Elementary
Cedar Valley Elementary
Clifton Park Elementary
Fowler Elementary
Harker Heights Elementary
Iduma Elementary
Ira Cross Elementary
Killeen Elementary
Maude Moore Elementary
Peebles Elementary
Pershing Park Elementary
Reeces Creek Elementary
Saegert Elementary
Meadows Elementary
Nolanville Elementary
Hay Branch Elementary
Willow Springs Elementary
Mountain View Elementary
Clear Creek Elementary
Brookhaven Elementary
Venable Village Elementary
Trimmier Elementary
Maxdale Elementary
Oveta Culp Hobby Elementary
Timber Ridge Elementary
Cavazos Elementary
Pat Carney Elementary
An additional 17 middle and high school campuses will begin offering the program the first week of October.