Now through Sept. 4, Chicago residents 18 years of age or younger can access free nutritional meals at more than 200 locations around the city through the Summer Nutrition Program. The annual program serves to supplement the school meal service, which provides economically disadvantaged youth with free or price-reduced meals during the school year.
“The economic downturn has placed a financial strain on Chicago’s families making it difficult for many to fulfill the basic needs of their children,” said Commissioner Mary Ellen Caron, Ph.D., Chicago Department of Family and Support Service. “Assistive programs like the Summer Nutrition Program offer families support and provide a resource to ensure Chicago’s children do not go hungry this summer.”
The Summer Nutrition Program provides nutritious breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks for youth, though meal options vary by site. All meals meet USDA nutrition guidelines and are accessible through a network of Summer Nutrition Program sites, including CHA development sites, day camps, parks, community and faith-based organizations.
Residents interested in learning about locations and times of participating Summer Nutrition Program may call 311 or visit http://cityofchicago.org/fss.
Organizations interested in becoming a Summer Nutrition Program site may apply through the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services’ Web site at cityofchicago.org/fss or in person at the department’s King Community Service Center, 4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
