Summer is here – and so are Summer Meals!
All children and teens (18 and under) are eligible for FREE summer meals at participating schools and community sites. Find a site near you.
Nearly 1 million Arizona children participate in school meals during the academic year. Summer Meals Programs provide funds for schools and community organizations to continue serving meals to children during the summer when school is not in session. Funding is provided by the USDA.
Getting a free summer meal for children and teens is easy! Simply find a participating summer food service site near you and visit the site during the meal service time! There are no applications or paperwork necessary. Children must be present to receive a meal.
Find a Participating Summer Food Service Site!
Summer meals are offered at a variety of locations, including schools, parks, community centers, libraries, and faith-based organizations.
To find a participating site near you, text “Food” or “Comida” to 304-304.
We highly recommend you call the location you plan to visit to verify their operating dates and times.
Don't see a Summer Meals site near you? Here's how to start one!
The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Health and Nutrition Services (HNS) helps sites interested in offering summer meals to get started. Visit their website for more information.
- Promote Summer Meals with the Summer Food Service Program Promotional Starter Kit from Az Health Zone!
- Spread the word! Many families have never heard of Summer Meals, or don’t know it’s open to all children (18 and under). Tell your family, friends, and neighbors.
- Still have questions? Contact our Community Programs Manager, David Robinson, at [email protected] and we’ll help find the answer!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are summer meals programs? Summer meals programs are funded by the USDA and designed to provide kids and teens ages 18 and under with healthy meals during the summer months when school is out of session.
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 or registration required to receive a meal. You do not have to show proof of income. Just show up!
Can parents or guardians pick up meals on behalf of their kids? Yes, parents and guardians can pick up meals on their kids’ behalf in certain locations. Please call the site ahead of time.
I’m a parent, can I get food too? While adults can’t access free meals at these sites, many times parents can purchase a meal. Contact the site you are considering visiting for details before you go – not all sites are able to offer this option.
Is there a cost? No. All summer meals offered through the USDA’s programs are free to all kids and teens ages 18 and under.
How do I find a summer meals site in my community? Visit the map link at the orange button above or text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 to find free meals 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.
There is no site in my area. What can I do to be sure that one is available for the children in my area next summer? If there are no summer meals sites in your community, we can help. Email Community Programs Manager, David Robinson at [email protected]
What else can I do to help? You can share information about free summer meals with your friends, neighbors, and family members. Tell people about the text hotline: “Text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 to find free summer meals in our community.”
Who funds free summer meals? Summer meals programs are federally funded by the USDA through the Summer Food Service Program and the National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option.
Have other questions? Please contact David Robinson, Community Programs Manager at [email protected]
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