Fuel Your Summer.

Though the location of specific sites may have changed over the last few years, the core of the Free Summer Meals program remains – all children 18 and under receive a free meal. There is absolutely zero paperwork, fee, sign-up, proof of identity, or legal status required.

Families can bring their children every day during the summer, and not only ensure they enjoy a free meal (or two), but also join in fun activities to keep their bodies and minds engaged like sports, arts & crafts, and so much more.

Some sites may also offer additional resources for older family members. Check the map below to find when sites near you are open and which meals they serve!

Federal program rules still require that kids and teens be present to receive a meal and eat it on-site at most sites. However, eligible rural sites have the option of serving meals that can be taken off-site through a grab & go model. These sites may also offer even more convenient options such as home delivery or parent pick-up.

These “non-congregate” sites will be noted on the map below starting in Spring of 2024. More information will be available as we get closer to summer.

For so many families, summer means an increased cost of food averaging around $300 per month. This burden on families may mean having to choose between groceries and other basic needs.

The Free Summer Meals program provides an opportunity to continue a child's physical and social development while providing nutritious meals during long vacation periods from school. It helps children return to school ready to learn. Without this program, children who rely on meals at school may experience “summer slide” where they are at risk of losing some of the achievement gains from they made during the school year.

Because this program is open to all children 18 and under, any family can participate and get to know their neighbors and community.

Summer-EBT is a new federal program that provides grocery benefits to families during the summer months. If your child is eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, you can receive $40 per month per eligible child and use the debit-style EBT card to purchase food at your local grocery stores, farmers markets, and online.

The Free Summer Meals program and Summer-EBT will work together to address the summer hunger gap for kids so they can access consistent, nutritious meals and return to school ready to learn, while lessening the burden on families during a time when food costs are extremely high.

More information about Summer-EBT in Washington will be available in Spring 2024.