Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact Information
Kamaria Hightower
Phone: (206) 561-4497
Email: kamaria.hightower@seattle.gov

Mayor Bruce Harrell and Seattle Human
Services Department Launch
Free Summer Meals Program 

Seattle’s Summer Meals Program combatting childhood hunger for over 50 years

Seattle, WA – As part of the City of Seattle’s commitment to child and youth well-being, the Seattle Human Services Department (HSD), in partnership with Seattle Parks & Recreation and United Way King County, announces the return of Seattle Summer Meals Program (officially the Summer Food Service Program). The program offers free, nutritious meals to all children and teens ages 1-18 through the summer at over 40 sites across the city – filling the gap that occurs when youth lose access to the free and reduced-pride meals provided during the school year.

Seattle’s Summer Meals Program is part of a long-standing effort to reduce food insecurity and support youth across the city, especially in under-resourced neighborhoods. The program also supports the goals of the Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger, an initiative supported by Mayor Bruce Harrell.

“In Seattle, summer break for our young people should be a time to enjoy activities and good weather with friends and family, and not be a time consumed with wondering if you will have enough to eat while school is out," said Mayor Bruce Harrell. "This program is a lifeline for many children and families as costs for food and other living expenses continue to rise. I'd like to thank all of our partners who join us in efforts to eliminate food insecurity for all who call Seattle home."

The program is a robust effort to make nutritious meals available to all children 18 and under, without the need for identification, proof of residency, and no application. It is especially important with limited food bank resources, and potential cuts to federal programs like SNAP and Medicaid that provide food benefits to low-income families. The Summer Meals Program is made possible with funding from local, state, and federal partners, along with private philanthropy.

“This program is a lifeline for many families,” stated Tanya Kim, Director of the Seattle Human Services Department. “When school cafeterias close for the summer, we step up to make sure no child goes without. In 2024 alone we served over 60,000 meals and snacks across the City. That impact is only possible because of our dedicated community partners, service providers, and site staff who help make this program possible each summer.”

In coordination with Seattle Parks and Recreation Department, the Summer Meals Program has locations at public parks throughout Seattle – creating accessible locations throughout the city. "We are excited to have Seattle Parks and Recreation to be part of this collaborative, Citywide effort to deliver this lifeline to youth and families in our vibrant communities this summer. This program will help guarantee that every child in our shining City has access to a free, healthy meal readily available at many of our SPR's parks and community centers, among other distribution sites, said AP Diaz, Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent. “We are #ParkProud to continue participating in this crucial program and look forward to strengthening our partnerships with other departments and organizations, together creating a stronger and healthier One Seattle for all.”

Tackling childhood hunger requires collaboration. “A key component to the success and reach of the Summer Meals Program is the partnership between United Way of King County, City of Seattle, and many other community-based organizations. Together we can support low-income families that face barriers to accessing health, nutritious meals,” added Regina Malveaux, Chief Impact Officer of United Way King County.

To celebrate the return of the Summer Meals Program, families and individuals are invited to the Summer Meals Celebration on Thursday, July 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Pratt Park & Spraypark (201 20th Avenue S., Seattle, WA 98144). The event will include free food, family friendly games and activities, and more.

For more information on the program, including meal schedules and location sites, please visit https://seattle.gov/Summer-Food.

List of Sites: HSD would like to submit the following information for those media and community organizations who host a “Community Service” section. We offer free summer meals at various parks, community centers, schools, housing communities, and organizations across Seattle and Tukwila and need your help increasing awareness of the Summer Food Service Program to the local community. Site locations can be found here.

Share the News: Help us ensure every child in Seattle has access to nutritious meals this summer. Share the following message on your social media platforms:

• Did you know? Seattle's Summer Meals Program offers free nutritious meals to anyone 18 and under from June 25th – August 22nd at over 40 locations across the city. No ID, proof of residency, or application is required. Help spread the word so every child in our city can have a healthy meal this summer. Find a meal site near you at Seattle.gov/summer-food. #SummerMealsSeattle

About the Human Services Department: The City of Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) is a major contributor to Seattle's safety net, investing over $300 million in grants and contracts with a diverse network of community-based human service providers. The department works closely with the community to develop policies, plan, and deliver services that support and empower the city's most vulnerable individuals and families.

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