Approximately 29 percent of Fairfax County students receive free and reduced price meals during the school year. When the school year ends, so does the opportunity for consistent, nutritious meals for many of these students. The Free Summer Meals for Kids Program fills that need by providing nutritious meals to children ages 5 to 18 during the summer – because hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation.
Become a Meal Site
Service Dates, Meal Sites & Eligibility
The 2018 Summer Meals for Kids Program will operate between June 18 and August 24 (individual site schedules may vary depending on locations - see site listings for details). All meal sites are located in areas where 50 percent or more of students receive free or reduced price lunches at school. Sites are designated according to national guidelines as either "open" or "closed" sites.
- Open Sites: Free, nutritious meals will be provided to all children.
- Closed Sites: Free meals will be provided to children from households who meet the income guidelines for reduced price meals in the National School Lunch Program. Children who are part of households that receive SNAP, or benefits under the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDP1R), or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) are automatically eligible to receive free meals.
Acceptance and participation requirements for the Program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.
Related Links
- "Lunchtime" Infographic: Change in Eligibility for Free & Reduced Price Lunches in Fairfax County Between 2002 and 2014
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Summer Food Service Program
