Syracuse City School District launches summer meal program to combat child food insecurity

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse City School District is one of many school districts across the state offering free breakfast and lunch to students this summer.

The school district just kicked off its summer meal program at Burnet Park on Monday. The program runs Monday through Friday at various locations across the city of Syracuse throughout the summer.

The need for healthy and affordable meals is growing in Central New York, especially for children. According to recently released data from Feeding America, in the 11 counties that the Food Bank of CNY provides for, food insecurity for children went from one in eight to one in six in just one year.

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In addition to the free meals, there will be a fresh produce giveaway at one of the sites every day for students to take home to their families – provided by the Food Bank of Central New York.

“Families are going to be able to take home fresh fruits and vegetables to feed not only their children but themselves,” said Karen Belcher, the executive director of the Food Bank of CNY.

However, the higher cost of food is impacting everyone – even the food bank. Belcher said inflation has driven some of their prices up 10-20%.

They want to help ease that same burden many families face.

Families are able to go to these sites with their children and get meals for them which helps them offset some costs during the summer months.

Despite increased costs, Belcher said thanks in part to community partners, they can provide the foods that neighbors need – which she and other leaders say is critically important.

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“If our kids are hungry, they are going to have trouble having fun, and playing with their friends in the summer, and they’re going to have trouble learning when they’re in school,” said Mayor Ben Walsh.

“The city as a whole cares about feeding children and cares about their futures and this is the way we come together to make sure no kid goes hungry,” said Rachel Viens, the director of food and nutrition services for the Syracuse City School District.

This year, children will be offered their choice of a grab-and-go meal or a meal to enjoy on-site.

Meals will be provided at 38 different locations throughout the city, Monday through Friday, from now until August 16. For the full schedule that lists when and where you can pick up free meals, click here.