CHICAGO (CBS) – Chicago Public School students can receive free nutritious meals during the summer starting next week.
The Summer Meals and LunchStop programs will be offered at hundreds of school locations across the district, including all summer program locations, according to CPS.
From Monday, meals can be picked up at LunchStop locations outside. Indoor meals will be available on different dates depending on when individual schools host their summer programs.
Students participating in summer programs or living in the area served have access to free breakfast and lunch at their location throughout the summer.
CPS CEO Pedro Martinez says, “It is important that district families have access to nutritious meals between the end of the school year and the beginning of the upcoming school year.”
“When students consume healthy food, it stimulates the brain and keeps them safe and ready to learn,” he said.
All Chicago children ages 1 to 18 have access to free meals through the district’s LunchStop program outdoor locations. Children must be present to receive their meals and must consume them on site.
The LunchStop is available until August 9 from Monday to Friday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Families can use the Summer Meal Finder to find a Summer Meals or LunchStop location near them. Parents and students can also call 800-359-2163 or text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304304 to find nearby Summer Meals locations and opening days and times.
Menus for each school can also be found via the meal viewer.
The Summer Meals program runs through the Summer Food Service Program, which was administered by the Illinois State Board of Education and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
