NYC libraries to provide free breakfast, lunch to children

The New York City Department of Education today announced that the annual Summer Meals Program providing free meals throughout the summer to New York City children ages 18 and younger will begin on Thursday, June 28, and continue through Friday, August 31. For the first time, free breakfast and lunch will be served at public libraries and New York City Housing Authority complexes. In all, meals will be served at more than 700 locations, including schools, pools, and parks throughout the five boroughs.

“We are expanding our program so that all of our kids have access to the same nutritious meals as they do during the school year,” said Eric Goldstein, Chief Executive of School Support Services. “Our goal is to help teach our youngsters good eating habits that will both help them learn better and combat obesity.”

Children do not need to be enrolled in summer school to participate in the program, and no application is required. Meals are available at any of the sites, regardless of the location of a student’s home school. Breakfast is served from 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.; lunch is served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

For a searchable listing of sites and menus, go to this dedicated page at the website of New York City Department of Education. All the meals provided are low in fat, low in sodium, and without artificial colors or sweeteners.

The DOE’s Summer Meals Program, which is administered by the Department’s Office of SchoolFood, has operated for more than 30 years.

The Office of SchoolFood is planning a kick-off of the program beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 29, at MS 131, 100 Hester Street, in Manhattan.

Families can find their nearest open site where meals are served by calling 311.
Source: The New York City Department of Education