Free summer meal programs available for Utah children while school is out

Free summer meal programs provide nutritious food for children and teenagers while school is out of session. Photo: Derek Owens

Families can use an online locator to find nearby sites offering free meals and snacks for children ages 18 and younger

PARK CITY, Utah — Families looking for meal assistance while school is out can use a statewide online locator to find free summer meal sites for children and teenagers.

Utah’s Summer Food Service Program, also known as SUN Meals, provides free meals and snacks to children ages 18 and younger during summer break. More than 250 supervised locations across the state offer breakfast, lunch, or snacks, according to the Utah State Board of Education. Sites may be located at schools, parks, libraries, pools, and community centers.

The program is designed to help families maintain access to nutritious food during the summer months, when students no longer receive school meals.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Utah County is among the organizations offering summer meals. Its child nutrition program provides meals that include a fruit and a vegetable, milk, a whole-grain product, and a protein. The organization has listed summer meal sites in Orem, Provo, and Springville.

Meal schedules and availability vary by location. Families can search for the closest open site using the USDA Summer Meals Site Finder or the Utah Food Bank’s online map. The Utah Food Bank recommends reviewing each location’s schedule before visiting because operating days and hours may be limited.