FREE Summer Meals for Kids from the USDA

As the summer season begins and schools close their doors, many children who rely on free or reduced-price meals may face the challenge of accessing nutritious food. To address this concern, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is partnering with states to continue providing meals to students during the summer months. With the aim of supporting children’s health and well-being, these programs offer free lunches and snacks to ensure that no child goes hungry when school is out. In this post, we will guide you on how to access these free summer meals for kids, enabling you to provide nourishment for your children throughout the summer season.

Finding Free Lunch for Kids

If you are in need of assistance in providing meals for your children during the summer, you can take advantage of the Summer Meal sites that offer breakfasts and lunches for kids. To locate these sites in your area, simply click on the link provided below and enter your zip code. Additionally, you can check your local school’s website for further information on this program and any additional resources available.

Just click this link and enter your zip code to find participating sites near you.

USDA Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder: The USDA works closely with states to ensure that children who rely on free or reduced-price school meals can receive the nutrition they need, even when schools are closed. Through the USDA’s summer meal programs, approved sites across the nation offer free meals to kids up to the age of 18. By using the Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder, you can easily locate nearby meal sites, find their operating hours, and obtain contact information. This user-friendly tool serves as a valuable resource to help families locate meal sites and ensure their children receive the nourishment they require.

Note: As of June 29, 2023, the site finder includes data for 48 states, including AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY.

More Food Assistance for Families

Families seeking food assistance for their children can also contact the USDA National Hunger Hotline, operated by Hunger Free America. The hotline can be reached Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) (for English) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) (for Spanish)

No child should go hungry during the summer months, and the USDA is dedicated to ensuring that children who rely on free or reduced-price meals have access to the nutrition they need. By utilizing the USDA Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder, you can easily locate meal sites in your area and provide your children with free lunches throughout the summer. Take advantage of this valuable program and help ensure that your kids stay nourished and energized during their break from school.