Food Help > Free Summer Food
Free Summer Meals
When school is out for the summer, free meals for kids are available in your neighborhood. Available at the places where your family lives, learns, and plays — including schools, parks, community centers, and faith-based organizations.
What are Free Summer Meals?
Free Summer Meals sites are available across the state, providing free meals to children aged 18 and younger when school is out for the summer. Summer Meals are open to all families. No paperwork needed — kids can just drop in and grab a meal.
At most sites, kids and teens are required to eat on-site. Many sites also offer fun activities that help kids stay active and engaged when school is out!
Some sites in rural areas offer Meals-to-Go, which can be taken off-site and eaten at home.
Free Summer Meals Site Finder
Check back in June 2027 to find summer meals sites near you!
How It Works
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The location of specific sites can change over time, but the Free Summer Meals program remains the same – all children 18 and under receive a free meal. There is absolutely zero paperwork, fee, sign-up, proof of identity, or legal status required.
Some sites may also offer resources for older family members. Check the map above to find when sites near you are open and which meals they serve!
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Some rural sites can serve meals that kids can take off-site and eat at home. These sites may also offer options such as home delivery or parent pick-up.
Some grab-and-go sites may ask you to register to help them keep track of how many meals they’re serving. But there are still no income requirements or eligibility restrictions, and information is not shared.
Grab-and-go sites are highlighted in orange on the Free Summer Meals Site Finder.
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We know that summer means an increased cost of food for families with children, spending an average of $300 more per month. Free Summer Meals can help reduce this burden.
This program is open to all children 18 and younger. That means any family can participate and get to know their neighbors and community!
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The fun activities at Free Summer Meals sites can help your child continue their physical and social development during the summer, while also getting nutritious meals!
Children who rely on meals at school can experience “summer slide,” losing some of the educational gains they made during the school year. Free Summer Meals helps prevent summer slide, so that kids can return to school ready to learn.
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SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) is a federal program that provides grocery money to eligible families during the summer months. If your child is eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, you can receive $120 per eligible child each summer. Learn more on our SUN Bucks page!
Your family can participate in both Free Summer Meals and SUN Bucks — you don’t have to choose just one program.
Partner Resources
Come 2026, promote Free Summer Meals in your area! Help families in your community connect to their nearest meals site. Download digital outreach materials or order free physical materials.
Get additional help. Visit our Summer Meals resources for partners webpage.