My birthday falls at the end of the school year—a time that always felt celebratory when I was growing up. But now, with a deeper understanding of hunger in our communities, that timing feels more sobering. Across Texas, thousands of children rely on free and reduced-price meals provided through their schools. When summer begins, many of these kids lose access to their most reliable source of nutrition.

While there are summer meal programs available, they are often underfunded, underpublicized, and difficult to access—especially in rural or underserved areas. That can mean weeks of undernutrition or even malnutrition, which has a lasting impact on children’s development, academic performance, and overall well-being. Research consistently shows that good nutrition is directly linked to better outcomes in school and life, and going without it for the summer months can be devastating. Central Texas Food Bank seeks to fill this gap.

This year, the Central Texas Food Bank is facing a particularly tough challenge: the USDA has reduced its funding of CTFB by $5.5 million, even as demand for food assistance continues to rise. That means the food bank is trying to serve more people with fewer resources between now and the start of the school year.

So for my birthday this year, I’m asking for something different. Instead of gifts, please consider making a donation to the Central Texas Food Bank to help ensure no child—or adult—goes hungry this summer.