Child Nutrition Programs
The USDA Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds programs that provide free or low cost meals to children, including:
- National School Breakfast and Lunch Program. Eligible students can get free or reduced priced lunches and, some schools, breakfasts. Eligibility is based on family income. Applications are usually sent home in the fall. To get a copy of the application or a monthly menu, contact your child's school.
- Summer Food Service Program. Community sites offer free meals to any child through the age of 18 during the summer months when school is not in session. Meals are usually served at locations such as parks, schools, community centers, churches and other places where children gather in the summer. Call 1-800-SAFENET (723-3638) from June through August to find the location of the site closest to you. The program is not available in all areas.
