Free, Healthy Summer Meals for Kids

The Summer Food Service Program is open to Illinois children ages 18 and under to fill the nutritional gap during summer.

School may be out for summer, but hunger knows no break.

Many Illinois families depend on their children’s schools to provide regular, nutritious meals throughout the school year.

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides healthy meals and snacks to children and teens age 18 and younger at hundreds of sites across the state. The Illinois State Board of Education runs the program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

To find a meal site near you, call (800) 359-2163, text “FoodIL” to 877-877, or visit SummerMealsIllinois.org.

“A healthy return to school starts with a healthy summer,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala. “Equity means ensuring students get what they need year-round. ISBE is grateful to all those who have stepped up to sponsor the Summer Food Service Program, making it possible for free and healthy meals and snacks to reach the families who need them.”

To learn more about this year’s program, visit the Illinois State Board of Education website.