On a bright, hot July day, students trickle into the cafeteria at Akins Early College High School in South Austin. There, they can grab chicken, grilled cheese sandwiches, carrots and peas, fresh fruit and a roll for free. They’re greeted by Austin ISD employees, like Roland Cortez.
Cortez, who is the food service manager at Akins, has been working at the campus for 13 years. He said his team has a primary goal.
“To feed our kids and make them feel welcome, and make them feel like they’re at home,” he said.
Akins is one of Austin ISD’s summer meal sites, which provide meals to all children for free whether or not they are enrolled in the district.