Syracuse, N.Y. -- The Syracuse City School District is giving free meals to kids and teens 18 and under this summer at various locations throughout the city.
The Summer Meal Program provides breakfast and lunch Mondays through Fridays at city schools, community centers and parks, with free fruit and vegetable giveaways on certain days at certain locations.
Last summer the district served more than 139,000 meals during the summer months alone.
“That goes to show you that there clearly is a need in our community,” said Amanda Hull, a district spokeswoman. “This year our goal is to make sure that more people know about it.”
Syracuse has one the nation’s highest child poverty rates, according to Census data. Nearly half of the city’s children -- 45.8% -- live in poverty.
“[The food we serve] is different every day,” Hull said. “It’s all healthy foods and is similar to what they would get in school.”
The program started Monday. So far they have given out fruits and vegetables like apples, oranges, cucumbers and butternut squash. She said the children will be given foods that could be prepared at home as well.
Hull said no one will get turned away. She said the program can also help families keep their ovens off and homes cooler on hot summer days.
“We really want to come together as a community to get our kids fed,” she said. “And give them energy for the summer while they’re on break.”
Text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 during the summer months to find a site near you.
You can find the full schedule here or check the flyer below.
Here's a list of where to get free meals for Syracuse city kids this summer.Source: Syracuse City School District