RIDE Announces Free Summer Meals Statewide

Published on Friday, June 23, 2023

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Governor Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and the Rhode Island Department of Education today announced that the Summer Food Service Program will soon be underway at several program sites in communities across the state, where free meals will be served to Rhode Island students this summer.

“Rhode Island is focused on shifting from 180 days of learning to 365, and having access to adequate summer meal options will help fuel successful year-long learning,” said Governor McKee. “The Summer Food Service Program helps us address a major barrier to student success during the summer months. We welcome families to visit a site and helps us spread the word about free meals statewide.”

“The Summer Food Service program is a critical piece of Rhode Island’s efforts to fight hunger and ensure our kids have access to healthy food,” said Commissioner Infante-Green. “Students need nutritious meals for healthy growth and development, and we know that access is more limited during the summer break. We invite all students to take advantage of the Summer Food Service Program and enjoy meals at no cost.”

There are no income requirements or registration needed to participate in the program. The Summer Food Service Program ensures that any child 18 years old and under has access to nutritious meals and snacks during the summer when school is not in session. For more information on summer meal sites near you including locations and serving times around the state, contact the United Way by dialing 2-1-1.

Please see the list below of local Summer Meal Kickoff Events, to learn more about summer meals and for a day of fun with your family. There is no cost to attend.

East Providence

June 24, 2023, Pierce Field, 201 Mercer St, East Providence, 11am-2pm

Central Falls

June 26, 2023, Veterans Park, 416 Hunts St, Central Falls, 1pm-2pm

Woonsocket

June 27, 2023, World War II Memorial Park, Social St, Woonsocket, RI 02895, 11am-2pm

Pawtucket

June 28, 2023, Payne Park, 225 West Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860, 11:30am-1:00pm

Each year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture partners with local organizations to provide free meals to children when school is out for the summer. For more information about the national Summer Food Service Program, visit www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/summer.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.