Program
Summer Meals
Every Child Eats — All Summer Long
When Milwaukee schools close for summer, 40,000+ children lose daily access to the free and reduced-price meals that school cafeterias provide. For families living on tight margins, this summer hunger gap can mean skipped meals and stress that follows kids into the next school year.
The Summer Meals program operates June through August, serving free USDA-compliant breakfast and lunch at 400+ sites across every Milwaukee zip code — schools, parks, community centers, libraries, and housing developments. Any child 18 or under can walk in and eat. No registration. No documentation. Just food.
Sites are selected based on where children live, with intentional placement in neighborhoods identified as food access deserts. Many sites also offer activity programming — sports, arts, reading — making the meal site a safe community space, not just a food stop.
The program is funded through a combination of USDA reimbursements and private donations. Hunger Task Force coordinates logistics, menu planning, food safety compliance, and training for all site operators.
Program Highlights
- Free breakfast and lunch — no registration required
- Sites in every Milwaukee zip code
- USDA-compliant nutritional menus
- Activity programming at select sites
- Mobile delivery to reach isolated neighborhoods
- Bilingual site staff at 60%+ of locations
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need ID or proof of school enrollment?
No. Any child 18 or under can receive a free meal. No documentation of any kind is required.
Can parents or guardians eat too?
The USDA program serves children 18 and under. Some sites may offer adult meals depending on local funding — check with the individual site.
When does the program run?
The program operates from the first week of June through the last week of August. Exact dates vary by site.
How do I find the nearest site?
Visit our Get Food page and filter by 'Summer Meals (Youth)' to see all active sites in your neighborhood.