51³Ô¹ÏÍø

The 2025 Summer Food Service Program, which will provide free meals to approximately 400,000 young people, kicks off this month at nearly 2,500 sites statewide, State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa announced today. It is anticipated that more than 20 million nutritious meals will be served to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø State’s children this summer. An interactive helps families search for a service site by address, city, or zip code.

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, "Summer often brings a break from the routines of the school year, but for many children who rely on school meals, it can also mean a time of uncertainty and food insecurity. Access to these meals is essential not only for academic success during the school year but also for supporting students' mental health and overall development year-round. The Summer Food Service Program helps fill this critical gap by offering accessible, nutritious meals—ensuring every child can enjoy their summer without the stress of hunger.�

Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Our responsibility to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø State’s students does not end when the final school bell rings. Providing free, nutritious meals during the summer fuels bodies and minds, and helps students return to school in the fall ready to learn, grow, and thrive. By offering meals at vibrant community hubs, the Summer Food Service Program not only nourishes children, but it connects them to opportunities that inspire, engage, and empower them all summer long.â€�

The Summer Food Service Program was established to ensure that low-income children aged 18 and younger receive nutritious meals when schools are not in session. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service administers the Summer Food Service Program at the national level and the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø State Education Department (51³Ô¹ÏÍø) administers it at the state level.

Studies have shown that access to nutritious food during summer break benefits children’s health, education, and food security. Inadequate nutrition can have developmental consequences for children, including lower academic performance, social and emotional difficulties like anxiety and depression, and a higher risk for chronic illnesses like anemia or diabetes. The program sites also give young people an opportunity to interact with other children their age and participate in free activities.

About the Summer Food Service Program

Summer Meal Sites: Children can visit one of the nearly 2,500 designated summer meal sites statewide, where free meals are available. These sites are conveniently located in neighborhood parks, pools, libraries, camps, schools, and community centers, making it easy to access nutritious food all summer long.

Meals To-Go: Many rural areas will provide locations offering pre-packaged meals for pick-up. Families in rural areas who are unable to visit these sites may be able to get meals for their kids delivered right to their home. Multiple days of meals are often bundled together for added convenience.

Summer EBT Program: Summer EBT provides $120 in food benefits to eligible children to help cover the cost of food when school is out of session. Most eligible children will receive Summer EBT food benefits automatically; however, some families may need to apply. Information on Summer EBT, including the application for families that need to apply, can be found on the . Children can receive Summer EBT food benefits and also participate in the Summer Food Service Program in their community.

How to Participate

Most 51³Ô¹ÏÍø sponsors begin operating Summer Food Service Programs in July. There are several tools available to help find the site nearest you:

• The is an interactive map to search for meal locations by address, city, or zip code. Families can find directions to nearby meal sites, as well as their hours of operation and contact information. Locations and service times are updated throughout the summer.
• Call:
  • USDA National Hunger Hotline 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-3-HAMBRE
  • Dial 211 in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø State
  • 311 in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø City

More information about 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s administration of the is available on the Department’s website.