Food Programs for Kids During the Summer

Who's Eligible

• Children who meet the requirements for free or reduced lunches during the school year are eligible for free lunches during summer break. The income guidelines take into account the number of people in the household and the total income of the parents. For example, the 2013-2014 guidelines state that if your household has three members, and you make less than $25,389 per year, your children are eligible for the Summer Food Service Program. Only children age 18 and under can receive a free lunch during the summer months. Children who benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and those who are runaways, migrants or homeless automatically qualify for free lunches.

Sites

• The Summer Food Service Program has locations in all states and Washington, D.C. Typically, meals are served where a kitchen for prep work and cooking is available. Schools and churches are common locations to find free summer lunches. Most advertise this with a sign or banner on the outside of the building. WhyHunger.org also allows you to use an interactive map to search by city or ZIP code for locations near you.

Benefits

• A well-rounded meal plan is vital for kids because it provides them with the nutrients they need to grow and develop. Going hungry increases the risk of nutritional deficiencies and leaves your child too tired to get out and exercise. Kids who participate in the Summer Food Service Program receive a nutritious meal each day that fills their bellies and provides them with essential vitamins and minerals. Some places also offer healthy snacks, which give kids something to eat during other parts of the day, which is ideal for those who might go days without a meal due to their guardian's financial situation.

Sample Meals

• Most hungry kids aren't going to be picky about what is served for lunch, but knowing what's on the menu helps parents who have kids with food allergies or a food intolerance. The lunches served vary by location, but your local site has menus on hand that allow you to plan for lunchtime. Each meal features one grain serving, one meat or meat alternative serving, a fruit, a vegetable and a serving of milk. For example, a sample meal might be a 1/2 cup of pasta with 2 ounces of fish, served with 3/4 cup of tomato sauce, 3/4 cup of fruit and a cup of fluid milk. Bread, eggs, fruit juice, nut butters, cheese, beans, yogurt and cereal are other commonly served items.