There are hungry kids in every county in Washington State during the summer. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ensures that low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. Kids ages 18 and under can get free meals at schools, parks, community centers and more.
About the Summer Food Service Program
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally funded child nutrition program that provides reimbursement to local organizations that provide free, nutritious meals to low-income children when school-year meal programs are not available. The SFSP is vital for many low-income children. Free school breakfasts and lunches provide these children with up to 75% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances for key nutrients.
When school is out, these meals are lost and may not easily be replaced by families struggling to make ends meet. SFSP fills a crucial gap, helping to ensure that students return to school ready to learn because they have had access to the nutritious meals they need to grow and thrive through the summer months.
During summer, the USDA plans to serve more than 200 million free meals to children 18 years and under at approved SFSP sites. Most programs can offer up to two meals per day: breakfast, lunch, dinner and/or snacks.
About free meals in Washington State
In Washington State, the free meal program is found at many community centers and schools. The free meals are sponsored by a variety of organizations, including school districts, local governments, religious organizations, park departments, Boys & Girls Clubs, non-profits, and the statewide network Northwest Harvest hunger relief network (comprised of food banks, meal programs, and high-need schools).
These groups, and the dedicated people who work in them believe in the right to nutritious food. In addition to children, some of them also have programs to serve low-income families and people in homeless shelters to prevent malnutrition and provide better access to high quality food.
To find Summer Meal sites near you, visit: www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks
- ¡LOS NIÑOS COMEN GRATIS ESTE VERANO! Niños menores de 18 años se pueden comer gratis en las escuelas, parques, centros comunitarios y más. Para encontrar un sitio de Comidas de Verano cerca de usted, visite: www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks
New sites are sometimes added throughout the year, particularly going into summer. So check back occasionally for updated information.
