Each summer, vast numbers of households face food insecurity when school meals are unavailable, and income declines from the pandemic have only made matters worse.
Per the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as many as 12 million children now live in homes where they might not get enough to eat.
If you’re anxious about providing food for your family, assistance is available.
How to Get Free Meals for Kids This Summer: 3 Federal Programs
The American Rescue Plan — the COVID-19 relief bill signed by President Joe Biden in March 2021 — allocated funds to bolster several USDA initiatives intended to curb child hunger.
1. Pandemic EBT
Households with children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals and families eligible for SNAP can receive extra food funds through the Pandemic EBT program, which is being continued through the summer to compensate for missed school-provided meals.
The USDA’s typical benefit is $375 per eligible child for the summer period. Residents of Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands receive a larger benefit amount.
You must sign up for Pandemic EBT with your state government since payments are administered at the state level. At present, 28 states have approval to run Pandemic EBT programs during the summer months.
Benefits are usually issued in two or three payments across the summer.
2. USDA Summer Meals
All households with children aged 18 and under are eligible for the USDA’s summer meal programs, which work with community partners like libraries, rec centers, parks, churches and schools to hand out meals.
Rules have been relaxed so providers can give out bulk meal packs that cover multiple days and so caregivers can pick up food without the children present.
This interactive map lets you locate nearby meal distribution points. You can also find a site by texting “Summer Meals” to 97779 or by calling 1-866-348-6479.
3. USDA National Hunger Hotline
The USDA National Hunger Hotline assists families looking for food support. Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) Monday–Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET to reach help. For Spanish-language support, call 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273).
Free Meals in the Upcoming School Year
When summer ends, families can still receive help feeding their children. The USDA is prolonging its National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option so that students can get universal free lunches during the 2021–2022 school year. Waivers will also allow free meals for children in daycare and preschool settings.
If your children remain in remote learning, you may be able to pick up meals to take home. Contact your child’s school or childcare provider to confirm participation.
Alex Martinez is a senior writer at Savinly.
