Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks Announce Kickoff of 2022 Free Summer Meals Program

July 8, 2022

Free Breakfast and Lunch Will Be Available to All New Yorkers Under Age of 18

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) Chancellor David C. Banks today officially announced the kickoff of the 2022 summer meals program, which offers free breakfast and lunch to any person in New York City 18 years old and younger this summer. No registration, documentation, or identification will be necessary to receive a free breakfast or lunch meal, and meals will be distributed at more than 300 designated public schools, community pool centers, parks, and food trucks across the five boroughs. Today’s kickoff took place at the launch of the Summer Rising program at the Island School in Manhattan. These programs are providing New York City’s youth with upstream solutions with the resources needed to learn, have fun, and make a difference in the future.

“New York City children deserve a space to learn, to be a kid, and not worry about where to get their next meal, and our free summer meals program helps them do just that,” said Mayor Adams. “One of my top priorities as mayor is ensuring that our children have the necessary and nutritious meals they need to learn and grow into the great New Yorkers who will one day run our city. Today’s kickoff of free summer meals, coupled with the launch of Summer Rising, only further highlights this administration’s unwavering commitment to the young people of this city. I’m grateful to our city partners, food service workers, and all the New Yorkers working to feed, nurture, and take care of every one of our kids.”

“It is essential that our youngest New Yorkers have access to healthy and nourishing meals, particularly while school is not in session during the summer months,” said NYCDOE Chancellor Banks. “I’m so proud that we are again able to offer free breakfast and lunch to all of New York City’s children throughout the summer. This would not be possible without the tireless work of all of our dedicated food service workers on the ground, making sure our children are fed and cared for.” 

A full list of 2022 summer meal locations can be found on the NYCDOE's website, by texting NYC Food to 304-304, or by calling 311. 

Additionally, as per the guidance released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the New York State Department of Education, the NYCDOE is proud to offer a daily pre-packaged cold take-out meal to all children in New York City 18 years old or younger, in addition to hot meals served. 

As is the case throughout the school year, breakfast and lunch meals reflect the NYCDOE’s commitment to the highest standard of nutrition. All meals meet or exceed USDA standards and do not use food additives, such as artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Children will have access to a variety of fresh fruit, whole grains, vegetables, and salads to enjoy. Plant-based meals are available at all locations. Halal meals are available at select locations across the city and we are happy to announce that kosher meals will be available beginning the morning of July 12 at select locations across the city.

“Consistent access to delicious, nutritious, and plant-powered meals is essential for the healthy development of our children. The DOE’s Summer Meals program is critical to fighting child food insecurity during the summer months,” said Kate MacKenzie, executive director, Mayor’s Office of Food Policy. “I thank our food service workers and our partners across the city, without their dedication and hard work, this amazing program would not be possible.”