For many kids, summer is the start of freedom and fun. But for countless kids across New York City who rely on free breakfasts and lunches at school, summer is also a time of uncertainty. To combat hunger in kids across the city, the Department of Education has joined other cities like Boston, Chicago, Dallas, and Detroit in instituting a Summer Meals Program that will offer free and nutritious breakfast and lunch options to kids at 1,200 locations throughout the five boroughs. The program aims to end the summer nutrition gap for thousands of students who rely on their schools for at least one meal a day, as 30 million kids across the country do.
The NYC Summer Meals Program will begin on June 27 and end on August 31. Meals will be available at hundreds of pool centers, libraries, parks, schools, and more. Food trucks will also be driving around providing food to kids all summer. The program aims to not just serve food, but to provide healthy food and plenty of options so that kids are getting enough nutrition. Some breakfast options will include egg sandwiches, organic cereal and fresh fruit; lunch choices will include flatbread pizzas, beef burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, New York apples and kid-friendly kale salads.
Any child who is 18 and younger can participate in the program. No identification, registration, or documentation is necessary to receive a free meal. Parents can learn more about the Summer Meals program by visiting the website, downloading the SchoolFood app, texting “nycmeals” or “comida” to 877-877, calling 311, or visiting the 311 website and searching “summer meals.” The SchoolFood app includes daily menus and information in 10 languages. There will be no meal service on July 4 or August 21.
