RIDE Announces Free Summer Meals Statewide

Published on Tuesday, June 18, 2024

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Governor Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and the Rhode Island Department of Education today announced that the annual Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) will be underway in the coming weeks in communities across the state, where free meals will be served to Rhode Island students during the summer months. 

“Access to healthy meals during the summer will allow students to continue to learn and grow as we work to improve student outcomes with year-round learning opportunities,” said Governor Dan McKee. “The Summer Food Service Program helps us combat hunger and better support students. I encourage students across the state to visit a meal site and to help spread the word about this important program.”

“The Summer Food Service Program plays a major role in Rhode Island’s efforts to combat child hunger and ensure that all students have access to healthy, nutritious meals year-round,” said Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “Steady nutrition is crucial for healthy growth and development, and we know that access to food can be more limited during summer vacation. We invite all students to take advantage of this program and enjoy free meals.”

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

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

Central Falls

July 1, 2024, Veterans Memorial Park, 416 Hunt St., Central Falls, RI 02863, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Providence

July 1, 2024, Bucklin Park, 484 Dexter St., Providence, RI 02907, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 

Woonsocket

July 10, 2024, World War II Memorial Park, Social St., Woonsocket, RI 02895, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

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 https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sunmeals.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 

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