Free Summer Meals Available for Children Across Minnesota

Families looking for nutritious meal options this summer can take advantage of the USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which provides free meals and snacks to children throughout Minnesota.

According to a June 11, 2026, news release from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), more than 715 meal sites across the state are participating in the program this summer. The federally funded program helps ensure children continue to have access to healthy meals while school is not in session.

The Summer Food Service Program is available to all children ages 18 and younger, as well as individuals over age 18 with mental or physical disabilities who participate in school programs. Most sites offer up to two meals per child each day, which may include breakfast, lunch, supper, or a snack.

Minnesota Commissioner of Education Willie Jett emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “Every child deserves access to healthy meals year-round. These summer meals programs provide critical support to families and help ensure children can grow, learn, and succeed, even when school is not in session.”

Families can find meal sites near them by:

• Download the Free Meals for Kids app provided by Hunger Impact Partners to your phone or device.  
• Visit MDE's SFSP Site Map or the SFSP Participation Report to view the Summer Meal sites in Minnesota.  
• View the USDA Summer Meals and Snacks For Kids Site Finder tool.
• Call the 211 Hotline (Dial 651-291-0211 or TTY at 651-291-8440). 
• Contact the Minnesota Food HelpLine at 1-888-711-1151 Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

For additional information about summer meal programs, visit the Minnesota Department of Education or USDA Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids resources.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education news release, June 11, 2026.