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Willacy County approves summer meal agreement with Healthy Kids and Teens of South Texas
Summary
Willacy County Commissioners approved a contract with Healthy Kids and Teens of South Texas to provide grab-and-go summer meals beginning in June, after the nonprofit described last year’s nearly 8,200 lunches served and said it aims to double service this year.
Mary Alice Rodriguez, founder and CEO of Healthy Kids and Teens of South Texas, told the Willacy County Commissioners Court on April 23 that the nonprofit seeks approval to run a second summer feeding program in Willacy County.
"I am here today to seek your approval for the feeding of children this summer," Rodriguez said, describing last year’s program as a 49-day effort that served nearly 8,200 lunches and noting inspection delays from the Texas Department of Agriculture. She said the group hopes to expand sites, add breakfast service and roughly double meal counts if the court approves the agreement.
Commissioner Lisa Morano moved to authorize entering into an agreement with Healthy Kids and Teens of South Texas; Commissioner Garcia seconded the motion and the court voted to approve it. Officials said the program would operate roughly from early June through the first week of August and that staff will coordinate site vetting and any necessary health inspections before meals are distributed.
The contract approval follows the nonprofit’s report on last season’s turnout and logistics, including challenges getting kitchen facilities inspected in time at a parish hall and the group’s work with municipal leaders and school officials to identify usable kitchens and distribution points. Rodriguez said potential kitchen partners include parish halls and local churches in Raymondville and nearby communities, and that the Texas Department of Agriculture must approve food production sites.
The court did not attach additional conditions in public session beyond standard vendor and health compliance; next steps include finalizing site approvals and the county executing the agreement with the nonprofit.
