FAQs ABOUT SUMMER MEALS
Summer Meals: Food, Friends and Fun
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What are summer meals programs? Summer meals programs are a federal child nutrition programs funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and designed to provide kids and teens ages 18 and under healthy meals during the months of June, July, and August when school is out.
- What are the requirements for my child or teen to receive a meal? Do I have to fill out an application form? There is no application necessary to receive a meal and you do not have to show proof of income. Kids and teens ages 18 and younger can just show up at a summer meal site during the site’s hours of operation.
- Is there a cost? No. All summer meals offered through the USDA’s programs are FREE to all kids and teens ages 18 and younger.
- How do I find a Summer Meal site in my community? Summer meals sites are in the community at safe, supervised places like churches, schools and community centers. For more information, search by zip code here, call 1-800-359-2163 to speak to someone, or text Food or Comida to 304-304 to find a site near you.
- What kind of food is served at these sites? The meals served are healthy and meet USDA guidelines. A typical lunch, for example, will include a turkey sandwich on wheat bread, milk, an apple and a salad. Because of COVID-19, multiple days of meals may be given at one time, and menus may vary.
- Do summer meal sites offer activities? Typically, many sites offer fun learning and recreational activities in a safe, supervised environment. However because of COVID-19, activities will be limited or non-existent this summer to preserve the safety of staff and participants.
- What else can I do to help? You can share information about free summer meals with your friends, neighbors and family members.
- Who funds free summer meals? Summer meals programs are funded by the USDA through the Summer Food Service Program and the National School Lunch Program and are administered by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Have other questions? Please contact us here.
