Summertime Meals Resources for Kids, for Our Families in Illinois

As summer rolls in, we want every family to know: no child in Illinois has to go hungry when school is out. Between free summer meal sites and grocery support programs, there’s a strong safety net in place—and Menta is here to guide you.

1. Free On-Site Meals: Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

What is it? The Summer Food Service Program offers no-cost breakfast, lunch, and snacks to children under 18 at local sites like schools, parks, libraries, and community centers (wegotyouillinois.org).

Who’s eligible? All kids 18 and under—no income, sign-up, or citizenship requirements at open sites. Closed sites (like camps) may need registration (wegotyouillinois.org).

Where and when? The summer meals map launches in May, with updates through the summer. Sites include parks, apartment complexes, and even migrant centers (wegotyouillinois.org).

Extra benefits: Many locations offer enrichment opportunities such as reading, physical play, or nutrition lessons alongside meals (wegotyouillinois.org).

2. Summer Grocery Support: Summer EBT

What is it? Often called “SUN Bucks,” Summer EBT gives eligible families a one-time benefit of $120 per child, usable at grocery stores and farmers markets (wegotyouillinois.org).

Who qualifies?

• Children from households earning ≤185% of the federal poverty level, or
• Those enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, or youth/foster care (wegotyouillinois.org).

How to apply: Many families are automatically enrolled through school or benefits. To confirm or apply, Illinois families use the online Summer EBT Screener or call 1-833-621-0737 (wegotyouillinois.org).

Important deadlines:

• Benefits issued May 19–26, 2025 for automatically eligible children
• Last day to apply: August 13, 2025 (wegotyouillinois.org)

3. Find Local Summer Meal Sites

Use the SFSP site map (live in May) to locate nearby meal locations. Alternate help is available through the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (English) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (Spanish) (wegotyouillinois.org).

Why It Matters to Menta Families

At Menta, we know nutrition shapes learning and well-being. When children have access to healthy meals and engaging activities, they are more energized, focused, and ready to thrive. These summer programs not only feed bodies—they fuel minds and support community wellness.

Quick Tips for Families in Illinois

Resource: SFSP

Details: Free, on-site meals for kids ≤18. No sign-up needed for open sites.

Resource: Summer EBT

Details: $120/grocery benefit per eligible child; automatically applied or via application.

Resource: Where to find help

Details: Use SFSP map in May, or call USDA Hunger Hotline.

What You Can Do

• Share this post with your networks—friends, schools, libraries, and community groups!
• Check eligibility and sign up early if needed.
• Encourage kids to join meals on-site—they’re free, fun, and fill summer days with nourishment and community.

At Menta, we’re deeply committed to supporting families through trauma-informed, person-centered care. Knowing your children have access to healthy meals all summer long is a powerful step in creating that foundation of safety and flourishing.

Let’s spread the word across Illinois: no child should face hunger this summer.

Sources:

• Summer Food Service Program info (wegotyouillinois.org)
• Summer EBT overview, eligibility, timeline (wegotyouillinois.org)