For many kids, summertime means two things: fun and friends. But when school's out, that also means that families can't count on their kids eating meals at school, and already tight family food budgets have to be stretched even further. Parents also know that growing kids have big appetites.
Beginning Thursday, June 27 through Friday, August 30, NYC offers again its Free Summer Meals program, providing nutritious breakfast and lunch options at nearly 1,200 sites across the city. All children 18 and under are eligible to participate at sites, including schools, parks, pools and libraries across all five boroughs. No identification or application is required.
In Brooklyn, Summer Meals will be served at Betsy Head Pool and Achievement First Brownsville Elementary School, as well as at locations in Flatlands, Midwood and Brighton Beach.
"Hunger and nutrition do not begin and end with the school year, so providing free breakfast and lunch to students throughout the summer is a major step toward improving the health of our young people and providing them with adequate nutrition," said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.
Meals are available Monday through Friday with breakfast served from 8:00am to 9:15am, and lunch served from 11:00am to 1:15pm. Select locations will also offer meals on Saturday and Sunday. This year's summer breakfast menu features whole grain bagels, cheese omelets and waffles, along with organic cereal and seasonal fresh fruit. The summer lunch menu features beef tacos, pizza and green garden salad. To check out the menus, go here.
Families can visit schools.nyc.gov/summermeals or download our mobile app, called SchoolFood Feed Your Mind, to find a site near you. You can also text "FOOD" or "COMIDA" to 877-877 for more information.
"Our focus on the health and well-being of young people continues throughout the summer months, and we want all New Yorkers to know that we provide free breakfast and lunch across the city," said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. "These meals are available to anyone 18 and under, no identification or registration required—it's that simple!"
