Free Summer Meal Program for Seattle Youth Ready for Launch

Thousands of Seattle children ages 1 through 18 will enjoy free breakfasts, lunches and snacks this summer through the Seattle Human Services Department’s Summer Food Service Program. The United States Department of Agriculture-funded program, also known as Summer Sack Lunch, is open to children at qualifying sites. From June 26 through August 25, the meals will be served at more than 100 sites across the city.

‘Many children who participate in the school meal program rely on the program to provide their primary source of nutrition,” said Human Services Department Director Patricia McInturff. “This program allows us to continue meeting the nutritional needs of childe in low income neighborhoods during the summer. In 2005, we served more than 42,000 breakfasts and 161,000 lunches, and we expect to serve approximately the same number of meals this summer.”

The Summer Food Service Program is available at designated community centers, Seattle park playgrounds, Boys and girls Clubs, ,YMCAs and YWCAs, and other community sites throughout Seattle and parts of King County. Seventy-five of these sites offer the food program to the public, while the others offer the food program only to children enrolled in their own summer activity program. A complete list of sites and hours detailing where and when the Summer Food Service Program is available by calling (206) 386-1140 or by visiting their website.