Kids throughout New York state can receive free meals this summer as part of a federal program.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program provides children 18 and under with meals and snacks during the summer at no cost to the families or the sites providing them. In New York, there are hundreds of locations.
New York state is also issuing over $250 million in food assistance to around 2.2 million low-income children — $120 per child — as part of the state’s 2025 Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program, which helps eligible families pay for food during the summer. If your child isn’t automatically enrolled in the program, you can apply for this benefit through Sept. 4 by visiting otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/.
Here’s where to find free meals for your kids in New York through the USDA’s program this summer.
Finger Lakes’ free summer meals list
Hudson Valley’s free summer meals list
Western New York’s free summer meals list
Central New York’s free summer meals list
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Mohawk Valley’s free summer meals list
North Country’s free summer meals list
Capital Region’s free summer meals list
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Southern Tier’s free summer meals list
For specific days and times of the service of these free meals, visit the USDA’s Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder map at fns.usda.gov/summer/sunmeals.
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NY kids can get free meals this summer: Find a location near you
