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Federal Program

Summer Meals & Summer EBT

Free meals and grocery benefits for kids during summer

What Are Summer Meal Programs?

When school is out, children can still get free meals through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Open meal sites serve free meals to any child under 18 — no ID, income proof, or signup needed. Just show up.

In addition, Summer EBT provides $120 per eligible child to buy groceries during summer months. Children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals are automatically enrolled — no separate application needed.

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

SFSP provides free meals at sites in low-income areas during summer months. Sites include schools, parks, libraries, churches, and community centers. Most are "open sites" meaning any child under 18 can eat for free, regardless of where they live or family income.

To find summer meal sites near you, text "FOOD" to 304-304, call 211, or use the USDA Summer Meals Site Finder.

Summer EBT ($120 per Child)

Summer EBT is a grocery benefit of $120 per child for the summer. It works like SNAP — benefits are loaded onto a card you use at the grocery store. Children who receive free or reduced-price school meals are automatically eligible. Most families don't need to apply separately.

How to Apply

  1. 1 Summer meal sites: No application needed — just show up during meal times
  2. 2 Summer EBT: Automatic enrollment if your child qualifies for free/reduced school meals, SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or Medicaid

What You Get

  • Free breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks at community meal sites
  • No ID, proof of income, or registration required at open sites
  • Summer EBT: $120 per eligible school-age child for groceries

Key Facts

  • Any child 18 or under can eat free at open summer meal sites — no questions asked
  • Summer EBT benefits are loaded automatically if your child is enrolled in qualifying programs
  • Summer meal sites operate at schools, parks, libraries, community centers, and churches
  • Call 211 or text "FOOD" to 304-304 to find nearby summer meal sites

Official Resources

Find Summer Meals (USDA)
USDA Summer Meals site finder
Summer Meals (No Kid Hungry)
No Kid Hungry summer meals finder

Related Programs

School MealsSNAPWIC

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need to be enrolled in anything?
No. Any child 18 or under can eat at open summer meal sites without enrollment, application, or ID. Summer EBT is automatically enrolled based on school meal or benefit program participation.
Where are summer meal sites located?
Sites are typically at schools, parks, libraries, churches, and community centers. Find sites by calling 211, texting "FOOD" to 304-304, or visiting the USDA Summer Meals Site Finder.

Find a Food Pantry Near You

Food pantries provide immediate food assistance alongside Summer Meals.