Free Summer Meals for Kids: What You Need to Know

It’s almost summer!

Many kids see summer as one of the best times of the year, getting to play outside, and being able to eat whatever they want. Because kids often eat at home while hanging out with friends, moms are looking for quick and delicious summer meals for kids. 

But, what if I tell you that there’s no need to spend dollars for you to have meals to offer for your kids?

Here at Twin Cities Kids ClubOpens in a new tab., we believe our children should be our top priority. So we have come up with an idea on how and where to get free summer meals for your kids near your area. Join Twin Cities Kids Club for more great information like this, as well as discounts for your family to enjoy.

young boy and girl eating healthy lunch

What is the Summer Food Services Program?

Moms, there is no need to fret!

There is a Summer Food Service Program to help your kids look forward to a nutritious and hearty meal, as they serve summer meals for kids.

Also called the Summer Meals Program, the program was created because of the research studies that show that the lack of nutrition in a child causes the child to succeed less quickly in education.

Now, that you know what the Summer Food Service Program is, it’s time to dig deeper!

Here are the following you need to know about the program!

Who can get a free meal?

The Summer Food Service Program is only made available to kids who are or below eighteen years of age. There are no other conditions as to being qualified for a free meal, although the line is a first come, first serve basis. 

So, all you have to do is to line up and wait for your share!

Where do your meals come from?

The program has several sponsors, which are suitable groups or associations that are approved by your respective government in each state. These sponsors may either be only financially supportive or be the ones packing the meals themselves.

Some sponsors may not be a large company or establishment but can be a local or community feeding group or non-profit organization, which is just as great of a lending hand as any other. The meal sites are located anywhere, in places like churches or schools.

Where can you get a meal?

Each state has several meal sites, depending on the number of federal-approved organizations by each of the state governments. 

children in cafeteria eating

What food will be served?

The Summer Food Service Program serves you both breakfast and lunch, and in some counties, even snacks or supper, but this entirely depends on the meal site’s resources or the guidelines each of the state governments have provided. 

You will be served a meal with complete dietary needs, straight from the USDA’s nutrition guideOpens in a new tab., making sure that your child’s meals include nutritious food, especially the go, grow, and glow foods. 

So, here’s a little sneak peek to what your kids will get at the program!

BREAKFAST

  • 1 cup of milk
  • One fruit or vegetable
  • One slice of bread made of whole grain flour or 1/2 cup of pasta

LUNCH OR DINNER

  • 1 cup of milk
  • Two fruits or vegetables
  • One slice of bread made of whole-grain flour or 1/2 cup of pasta
  • One meat serving or 1/2 cup of cooked dry beans
  • 8 oz. of Yogurt
  • 1 Egg 

SNACKS

  • Two fruits or vegetables
  • 1 Cup of juice
  • One serving of cornbread or muffin

Kids can eat all the food that they can, as long as it fills their stomach. But, they have to eat the meals at the meal sites only during the span of meal times. Sadly, this isn’t a take-out. 

Also, while eating, your kids are not allowed to disturb other kids at the program, and along with everyone else eating at the meal site, they must be responsible to correctly dispose of your leftovers or your discarded food parts.

children eating lunch together

What are the benefits?

This program benefits all the children in your area and for moms who want to save dollars for food. These summer meals for your kids will help you get in tip-top shape for learning because nutrition is a key to refined education.

These summer meals help you not to worry about your children’s next meal during the summertime, allowing you to extend your family budget for other essential matters.

Now that you have the information about the Summer Food Service Program, you can get your child’s free, nutritious meals when school is up!

Instead of spending a lot of your money on your children’s meals during the summer, it is better to spend it by going to some places and bond with your kids. Join Twin Cities Kids ClubOpens in a new tab. to get exclusive discounts on your next summer destination!

Happy summer!

Twin Cities Kids Club

Founded in 2015, Twin Cities Kids Club is your online source for money saving discounts that families on a budget can use at exclusive local children’s events. If you live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul and surrounding area and you are looking for the best deals on family fun, Twin Cities Kids Club is the place for you. We have all of the family entertainment deals, news and events you can handle and we are passionate about connecting Twin Cities families with local businesses for fun and entertainment. Join Twin Cities Kids Club now and stay on top of Twin Cities family fun today.

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