In New York City, one in five children faces food insecurity. Nationally, nearly 14 million children in the United States are food insecure, according to USDA data. With school closures and increased household expenses, many families are struggling to ensure a balanced diet for their children during the summer.
Therefore, it is important to remember that the Free Summer Meals program is available in the city’s five boroughs from June 29 to September 4, offering healthy and free meals to all children and adolescents under 18 years of age, without the need to register or present documents.
What families should know:
Program dates
From June 29 to September 4, 2026.
There will be no service on Friday, July 3.
Where are free meals offered?
Meals are available at hundreds of locations throughout the city, including:
Hours vary by location, but generally sites are open Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
How to find a nearby site?
Interested families can text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304, or call 311. There is no need to fill out forms, register, or present identification. They can also call 877-8-HAMBRE (877-842-6273) or visit the program’s online portal.
Hunger doesn’t take summer vacations
“Unfortunately, hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation,” explains Wilson Camelo, representative of the American Dairy Association North East. “Children’s food insecurity worsens when school ends, as many children no longer have access to the breakfasts, lunches and snacks they receive at school during the school year.”
Funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), this program provides complete breakfasts and lunches that include milk, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein, helping children stay healthy, active and well-nourished during the summer.
For more information about the Free Summer Meals program, visit: https://espanol.americandairy.com/comidas-de-verano/.
