Free Summer Meals for Kids & Where To Find Them!

Free summer meals help families stretch their budgets so they don’t have to decide between buying food and other essentials

How do kids get the food they need in the summer?

Many kids rely on school meals for half the food they eat. So what do kids do over the summer? We've compiled resources for Seattle families and kiddos on where they can grab a free, nutritious meal while school is out!

Our Weekend Food For Kids program is switching to summer programming starting July 1st. Summer programming ensures we're still reaching kiddos and their families while school is out. This year, our pop-up markets will be back in two locations and serving neighbors above and below the Ballard Bridge.

Summer Food Service Program - city of seattle

Seattle parents will also be happy to learn that the city offers a Summer Food Service Program. Kids across Seattle can enjoy free nutritious meals from June 24 - August 18th. The Summer Meals Program (aka Summer Food Service Program) offers breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for anyone 18 and younger - with no registration or ID required!

You can find locations for the Summer Meal Sites here!

Sun Bucks - Washington state Department of social and health services

Another resource available to kids this summer is SUN Bucks also known as Summer EBT. This is a one-time $120 food benefit that will go out to families with school-aged children in Washington following each academic school year. It’s issued directly to each eligible child and the funds are distributed on individual white cards. Most children will automatically qualify for SUN Bucks by receiving other public assistance programs.

To find more information on eligibility, head to the DSHS website.

Kids need nutritious and filling foods to grow and thrive!

Summer Meals for Kids - Hunger intervention program

Hunger Intervention Program hosts Summer Meals for Kids in accessible locations around North Seattle. The program runs from June 22-August 21 and serves meals every Monday-Friday. They include kids' favorite snacks such as goldfish, graham crackers, fresh fruits, and more. This program is meant for all kids and teens ages 1-18.

You can find their meal sites and weekly menus here!

Please note that many of these summer meal programs will be impacted by Fourth of July observances.