Summer Meals Kickoff celebrates the launch of food-access program
with food, games and volunteer-led activities
DALLAS (June 12, 2025) – As part of its Centennial Celebration, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas will host the annual Summer Meals Kickoff on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the West Dallas Multipurpose Center, 2828 Fish Trap Road. This high-energy, family-friendly event, part of the Aspire United Volunteer Series presented by Texas Instruments, marks the launch of the Summer Meals Program–a vital initiative ensuring local children have consistent access to healthy food when school is out. Tom Thumb leaders will announce this significant $500,000 investment to support their commitment to United Way’s Centennial Celebration and addressing food insecurity and childhood hunger.
“We’re passionate about enabling access to food and nutrition for everyone,” said Christy Lara, Director of Public Relations, Tom Thumb/Albertsons. “And we are thrilled to partner with United Way of Metropolitan Dallas to help combat childhood hunger in some of our most vulnerable neighborhoods.”
Open to the public and supported by dozens of community volunteers, sponsors and partners, including the Texas Rangers, the kickoff event will feature free food from Dallas ISD Food and Nutrition Services, games, crafts, inflatables, and music for local families and children—all centered around healthy living and food access.
“Summer should be a time for fun, not hunger,” said Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton President & CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “And this incredibly generous investment from the Tom Thumb & Albertsons Foundation will make the vision a reality for thousands of families. We’re proud to join hands to bring the community together to address food insecurity head-on, while also celebrating the power of volunteers and the impact of local partnerships.”
As part of its mission to improve access to education, income and health, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas is committed to improving food access for children and families—because food security is foundational to all three of the nonprofit’s three focus areas. This is especially important during out-of-school time when access to federal nutrition programs may be limited. Events like the Summer Meals Kickoff connect families with nutrition education, local resources, and enrichment activities—helping raise awareness and build a stronger safety net for those facing food insecurity.
This year’s event also holds special meaning as United Way of Metropolitan Dallas celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025. The centennial anniversary represents a milestone year that will include a dynamic line-up of volunteer and community events—including the Centennial Celebration, presented by PepsiCo—that honor United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ rich legacy and shine a spotlight on the bold, innovative ways the nonprofit is shaping the future of our region.
The Summer Meals Kickoff event is part of United Way’s Volunteer Series and is made possible by the generous support of corporate sponsors:
● Volunteer Series Sponsor: Texas Instruments
● Gold Presenting Sponsors: Toyota, Mr. Cooper Group, Kellogg
● Silver Supporting Sponsors: DN Tanks, Vistra, Tenet Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield
With an estimated 300 children and families expected to attend, the Summer Meals Kickoff is one of United Way’s most impactful events of the season—bringing together civic leaders, volunteers, and community partners to support the well-being of local families.
For more information or to volunteer, visit unitedwaydallas.org/volunteer/.
About United Way of Metropolitan Dallas
For 100 years, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas has been a social change organization that unites the community to create opportunity and access for all North Texans to thrive. We bring together passionate change-makers alongside corporate, civic and nonprofit partners to drive lasting change in education, income and health—the building blocks of opportunity. United Way leads a movement to make Dallas the best place to live, work and raise a family. We invite all North Texans to Live United and be part of the change. To give, advocate or volunteer, visit UnitedWayDallas.org.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login