Children and Youth Summer Food Service Program

smiling young boy and young girl eating meals at a summer program siteThe Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), also known as the Summer Meals Program, was established in the early 70's to ensure that children receive nutritious meals during the summer months when school is not in session. Children need good nutrition throughout the year. The SFSP helps fill the gap by serving free meals and snacks during the summer to children 18 and under.

SFSP is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and administered by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) in Washington State.

The Seattle Human Services Department (HSD), Seattle Parks and Recreation, Seattle Public Schools, and United Way of King County (UWKC) work together to recruit and support local sites in Seattle by providing reimbursements to providers who serve free, healthy breakfasts, lunches, and snacks to children and teens age 18 and younger.

Program Guidelines:

This summer, sites will operate June 27 through August 24, 2022. Each youth can receive one meal per day to be eaten onsite. (A federal waiver used in 2020-2021 for parents to pick up meals on behalf of youth, and to take meals offsite, has expired.) SFSP sites will continue to provide COVID-19 precautions to minimize risk of illness while serving meals, including following sanitation and other practices in accordance with each organizations guidelines as well as CDC and Public Health—Seattle & King County guidelines.

Are my children eligible?

Your children are eligible for the Summer Food Service Program if they are between the ages of 1-18.

Are you ready to find your nearest Free Summer Meals site?

You can also learn how to apply for Basic Food (SNAP) or find SFSP sites with UWKC's Summer Meals Search Tool that displays sponsor, site, and meal information with online mapping tools.