Summer Food Service Programs

Summer Food Service Programs

Parents, have peace of mind knowing your children can get nutritious food this summer. Visit SummerMealsNY.org to find nearby places to get free meals for kids and teens and to learn if your school-aged children are eligible for Summer EBT grocery benefits.

Padres, tengan la tranquilidad de saber que sus hijos pueden obtener alimentos nutritivos este verano. Visite SummerMealsNY.org para encontrar lugares cercanos que ofrecen comidas gratuitas para niños y adolescentes, y para saber si sus hijos en edad escolar son elegibles para los beneficios de comestibles de verano del EBT.

Summer Food Service Programs

Kids and teens ages 18 and under can get free, nutritious summer meals at nearby places like parks, community centers, and libraries. Meals include foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein. Many sites offer fun activities, too.

In late June, families can use the following tools to find sites nearby (please note information is usually not available until late June):

●     Use the map on SummerMealsNY.org

●     Call 211 or 1-866-3-HUNGRY

●    Llame al 211 o al 1-866-3-HUNGRY

Summer meals are meant to work hand-in-hand with Summer EBT, a program that provides food benefits for each eligible child during the summer months. Families can use Summer EBT benefits to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other retailers that accept EBT.

Key things to know about Summer EBT:

●     Families will receive a one-time payment covering the whole summer, not a recurring monthly payment.

●     Most eligible children will receive Summer EBT benefits automatically, but some will need to apply. This webpage explains who will automatically receive benefits and who will need to apply.

●     Benefits should be used quickly, as they will be removed from the benefit card 122 days after they are loaded onto your card. Keep your Summer EBT card—future benefits load automatically if your child is eligible. 

Together, summer meals and Summer EBT help ensure kids have access to nutritious food while school is out. Visit SummerMealsNY.org to find summer meals near you and to learn more about Summer EBT.