Northern Illinois Food Bank Kicks Off 2024 Free Summer Meals Program for Kids
Food insecurity among children surges during the summer months when school is out, and many students lose access to a reliable source of daily nutrition that they would otherwise get from school and community feeding programs. The Food Research & Action Center reports 1 in 11 kids who receive free or reduced-price lunch during the school year, are at risk for summer hunger. Northern Illinois Food Bank in partnership with Illinois' Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ensures children have access to healthy and nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks over the summer break. Northern Illinois Food Bank's Meals on the Move and Illinois' SFSP sites will be returning this summer to provide a critical source of nutrition for children experiencing summer hunger.
Summer Food Service Program - (SFSP)
Funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) in partnership with Northern Illinois Food Bank, provides free and nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks to youth programs throughout 13 counties in suburban and rural Northern Illinois. The boxed meals will be distributed and must be consumed, at a number of designated community sites throughout Northern Illinois, including at select park districts, churches, schools, and community centers. Some sites also offer summer activities or learning programs to keep kids active and engaged as they receive a meal. Each day this summer Northern Illinois Food Bank will feed more than 7,000 kids.
Summer Meal sites run until August 16, 2024 in Northern Illinois. To find a Summer Meals Site in Northern Illinois visit www.solvehungertoday.org/child-nutrition-programs -- see summer schedule tab, or call (800) 359-2163, or text “Food" or “Comida" to 304-304
Meals on the Move
Northern Illinois Food Bank's Meals on the Move is a mobile service that provides free summer lunches to kids and teens, 18 and under at four different park sites across Aurora. The program runs until August 9, 2024, Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. or 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m., depending on the site. Food Bank staff distribute nutritious boxed meals to children who attend. All lunches need to be eaten on-site at the park and may not be taken home. There is no cost, no registration, and no ID required. In addition to lunches in the park, our Friday Fresh Mart takes place at each of our Meals on the Move locations and families can select from a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Weekend lunches for kids will also be available.
For a list of Northern Illinois Food Bank's Free Summer Meals for Kids program sites, visit: www.solvehungertoday.org/child-nutrition-programs -- see summer schedule tab
