Help make the Capital Region the best place to be a kid!
When school is out, many children lose access to the meals they depend on. For families living below the ALICE threshold, summer can mean increased food insecurity and hard choices between groceries, rent, and other essentials.
You can make a difference.
Your donation to United Way’s Summer Meals Program helps ensure that children across the Greater Capital Region have access to nutritious meals all summer long—at parks, libraries, community centers, and other trusted locations.
- $25 provides meals for a child for an entire week
- $50 helps stock a summer meal site with fresh food and supplies
Every dollar helps us reach more children in need.
No child should go hungry because school is closed. Together, we can fight hunger and give kids the nourishment they need to learn, grow, and thrive all summer-long.
MEAL SITES ARE CLOSED - SEE YOU NEXT SUMMER!
Kids & Teens Eat FREE All Summer Long
This summer, the Capital Region is the BEST place to be a kid! ALL kids and teens can enjoy free, healthy meals and activities at convenient locations across the Capital Region (list below) and New York State!
Other ways to find meal sites:
- See Summer Meals Collaborative sites below
- Call 2-1-1 anytime, 24/7/365
- Text your ZIP CODE to 898-211
- Available Monday-Friday, 7 AM - 4 PM. Message & data rates may apply.
- Visit summermealsny.org for all New York sites
What to Expect
- FREE meals for all kids and teens ages 18 and under
- Nutritious, balanced food options
- Fun activities offered at many sites to keep kids active and engaged
- Block parties and other events
- Pop-up farmers markets and Farm-to-Table stands
2025 Albany County Summer Meals Sites & Activities
Summer meals and activities are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC unless specified with enrollment details.
This Summer, join Albany Center Gallery or The Children's Museum of Saratoga for FREE, family-friendly art activities for all ages.
Arbor Hill Community Center
47 North Lark St, Albany (Firehouse)
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 15
BREAKFAST: 9:00 - 10:00 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Boys and Girls Club Albany Clubhouse
21 Delaware Avenue, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:15 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:45 PM
Capital Woods
200 Lark Drive, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 15
BREAKFAST: 9:00 - 10:30 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:15 PM
Join The Children's Museum of Saratoga on Thursdays from 12 to 1 PM for an activity
Creighton Storey Homes
158 Third Avenue, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 15
BREAKFAST: 9:00 - 10:30 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:15 PM
Join The Children's Museum of Saratoga on Thursdays from 10 to 11 AM for an activity
Ezra Prentice Homes
625 South Pearl Street, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 16
BREAKFAST: 9:00 - 10:30 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:15 PM
Join The Children's Museum of Saratoga on Thursdays from 10 to 11 AM for an activity
Frank Waterson Park
63 Austain Avenue, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
Please call 518-274-3781 for more information and to register your child(ren)
Girls Inc (Eureka! Summer Camp)
1400 Washington Avenue, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 15
BREAKFAST: 8:45 - 9:20 AM
LUNCH: 12:45 - 1:30 PM
Questions? Contact the AHA Resource Center 518-380-5600 or ResourceCenter@albanyhousing.org
Lincoln Park Courts
Corner of Eagle & Warren St, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 15
LUNCH: 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Join The Children's Museum of Saratoga on Wednesdays & Thursdays from 10:30 AM to 2 PM for an activity
Join The Children's Museum of Saratoga on Fridays from 12:30 to 2 PM for an activity
Metropolitan NTM Baptist Church
105 2nd Street, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 15
BREAKFAST: 8:00 - 9:00 AM
Scholastic Talent Summer Camp
23A Walker Way, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 15
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:00 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:30 PM
Questions? Contact the AHA Resource Center 518-380-5600 or ResourceCenter@albanyhousing.org
Skline Garden Apartments
123 Livingston Avenue - Rental Office, E7
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 15
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Superhero Academy (Summer Camp)
20 Ten Eyck Avenue, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 15
BREAKFAST: 9:00 - 10:00 AM
LUNCH: 12:45 - 2:00 PM
Trinity Alliance
15 Trinity Place, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 15
BREAKFAST: 9:00 - 10:00 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Union Mission Baptist Church
7 Morton Ave, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Vi Community Center
844 Madison Avenue, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 28
Please call 518-274-3781 for more information and to register your child(ren)
2025 Rensselaer County Summer Meals Sites
Learn more about the Rensselaer County Department for Youth Summer Food Program.
Summer meals and activities are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC unless specified with enrollment details.
Arnold Fallon Apartments
847 River Street, Troy
Monday - Friday
Starts: July 7 | Last Day: August 15
Please call 518-274-3781 for more information and to register your child(ren)
Boys & Girls Club - Rensselaer Clubhouse
544 Broadway, Rensselaer
Monday - Friday
Starts: June 30 | Last Day: August 22
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:15 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:45 PM
Boys & Girls Club - Lansingburgh Clubhouse
501 4th Ave Troy, NY 12182
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:45 PM
SNACK: 3:00 - 3:30 PM
Join The Children's Museum of Saratoga on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 1:30 PM for an activity
Boys & Girls Club - Troy Clubhouse
1700 7th Ave, Troy
Monday - Friday
Starts: July 7 | Last Day: August 29
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:15 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:45 PM
Corliss Park Apartments - Community Room
1450 Corliss Park, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
BREAKFAST: 8:00 - 9:30 AM
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Grafton Community Library
71 Main St, Route 2, Petersburgh
Mondays & Thursdays Only
Last Day: August 29
BREAKFAST: 9:30 - 10:30 AM
LUNCH: 1:30 - 2:00 PM
GRAB-N-GO Breakfast & Lunch. Registration Required. Please call 518-266-7501 for more information and to register.
Grafton Youth Program
71 Main St, Route 2, Petersburgh
Mondays - Friday
Last Day: August 8
BREAKFAST: 9:30 - 10:00 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:45 PM
Griswold Heights - Community Room
350 Griswold Heights, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:30 AM
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Hope 7 Community Center
596 Pawling Avenue, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
BREAKFAST: 7:15 - 8:00 PM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:30 PM
Knickerbacker Park
191 103rd St., Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
BREAKFAST: 10:00-10:30 AM
LUNCH: 2:30 - 3:00 PM
Petersburgh Veterans Memorial Community Center
69 Main Street, Route 2, Petersburgh
Mondays & Thursdays Only
Last Day: August 28
BREAKFAST & Lunch: 9:30 - 11:00 AM
GRAB-N-GO Breakfast & Lunch. Registration Required. Please call 518-266-7501 for more information and to register.
South Troy Pool
1 S. Troy Pool Lane, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 1:00 - 1:45 PM
SNACK: 3:00 - 3:45 PM
Stephentown Fire Hall
35 Grange Hall Road, Stephentown
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 1
LUNCH: 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday Meals for summer camp kids only. Please call 518-266-7501 for more information and to register.
Stephentown Memorial Library
472 State Route 43, Stephentown
Mondays & Thursdays Only
Last Day: August 31
SNACK: 4:00 - 6:00 PM
GRAB-N-GO Breakfast & Lunch. Registration Required. Please call 518-266-7501 for more information and to register.
Sunnyside Center
110 East Sunnyside Way, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 8
LUNCH: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
SNACK: 2:30 - 3:15 PM
Team Hero at Sabor Caribbean Restaurant
228 4th Street, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:30 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Unity House - Summer Camp
6 102nd Street, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 8
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:15 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:45 PM
Walter S. Pratt Playground (East St Park)
East St., Rensselaer
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 8
LUNCH: 12:30 - 1:00 PM
YMCA of Troy
2500 21st Street, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 11:15 AM-12:00 PM
SNACK: 3:00 PM-3:30 PM
2025
Rensselaer County Summer Meals Sites
Learn more about the Rensselaer County Department for Youth Summer Food Program.
Summer meals and activities are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC unless specified with enrollment details.
Arnold Fallon Apartments
847 River Street, Troy
Monday - Friday
Starts: July 7 | Last Day: August 15
Please call 518-274-3781 for more information and to register your child(ren)
Boys & Girls Club - Rensselaer Clubhouse
544 Broadway, Rensselaer
Monday - Friday
Starts: June 30 | Last Day: August 22
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:15 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:45 PM
Boys & Girls Club - Lansingburgh Clubhouse
501 4th Ave Troy, NY 12182
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:45 PM
SNACK: 3:00 - 3:30 PM
Join The Children's Museum of Saratoga on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 1:30 PM for an activity
Boys & Girls Club - Troy Clubhouse
1700 7th Ave, Troy
Monday - Friday
Starts: July 7 | Last Day: August 29
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:15 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:45 PM
Corliss Park Apartments - Community Room
1450 Corliss Park, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
BREAKFAST: 8:00 - 9:30 AM
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Grafton Community Library
71 Main St, Route 2, Petersburgh
Mondays & Thursdays Only
Last Day: August 29
BREAKFAST: 9:30 - 10:30 AM
LUNCH: 1:30 - 2:00 PM
GRAB-N-GO Breakfast & Lunch. Registration Required. Please call 518-266-7501 for more information and to register.
Grafton Youth Program
71 Main St, Route 2, Petersburgh
Mondays - Friday
Last Day: August 8
BREAKFAST: 9:30 - 10:00 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:45 PM
Griswold Heights - Community Room
350 Griswold Heights, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:30 AM
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Hope 7 Community Center
596 Pawling Avenue, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
BREAKFAST: 7:15 - 8:00 PM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:30 PM
Knickerbacker Park
191 103rd St., Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
BREAKFAST: 10:00-10:30 AM
LUNCH: 2:30 - 3:00 PM
Petersburgh Veterans Memorial Community Center
69 Main Street, Route 2, Petersburgh
Mondays & Thursdays Only
Last Day: August 28
BREAKFAST & Lunch: 9:30 - 11:00 AM
GRAB-N-GO Breakfast & Lunch. Registration Required. Please call 518-266-7501 for more information and to register.
South Troy Pool
1 S. Troy Pool Lane, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 1:00 - 1:45 PM
SNACK: 3:00 - 3:45 PM
Stephentown Fire Hall
35 Grange Hall Road, Stephentown
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 1
LUNCH: 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday Meals for summer camp kids only. Please call 518-266-7501 for more information and to register.
Stephentown Memorial Library
472 State Route 43, Stephentown
Mondays & Thursdays Only
Last Day: August 31
SNACK: 4:00 - 6:00 PM
GRAB-N-GO Breakfast & Lunch. Registration Required. Please call 518-266-7501 for more information and to register.
Sunnyside Center
110 East Sunnyside Way, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 8
LUNCH: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
SNACK: 2:30 - 3:15 PM
Team Hero at Sabor Caribbean Restaurant
228 4th Street, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:30 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Unity House - Summer Camp
6 102nd Street, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 8
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:15 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:45 PM
Walter S. Pratt Playground (East St Park)
East St., Rensselaer
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 8
LUNCH: 12:30 - 1:00 PM
YMCA of Troy
2500 21st Street, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 11:15 AM-12:00 PM
SNACK: 3:00 PM-3:30 PM
2025 Saratoga County Summer Meals Sites & Activities
Summer meals and activities are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC unless specified with enrollment details.
This Summer, Join C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios for FREE family-friendly art activities for all ages. CREATE Together is hosted in collaboration with the Saratoga Summer Meals Sites.
Cheryl's Lodge
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
24 Fern Lane, Clifton Park
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
BREAKFAST: 8 AM - 9 AM
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Clement Park
76 Grace St, Waterford
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 22
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Corinth Elementary School
356 Center St, Corinth
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
D&R Village
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
430 Route 146, Clifton Park
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 10:30 - 11:00 AM
Galaway Central School District - Grab 'n Go Site.
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
5317 Sacandaga Rd, Galway
Monday - Friday
Start: July 7 | Last Day: August 14
LUNCH: 11:00 - 11:30 AM
Greenfield Community Center - Grab 'n Go Site.
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
25 Wilton Road, Greenfield Center
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 15
LUNCH: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Kayadeross Acres
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
885 Middleline Road, Ballston Spa
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 10:30 - 11:00 AM
Louden Oaks
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
314 Louden Road, Saratoga Springs
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 12:45 - 1:15 PM
Join C.R.E.A.T.E. Studios on Wednesdays from 12:30-1:30 PM for an activity
Malta Gardens
2378 Route 9, Mechanicville
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 12:30 - 1:00 PM
Join C.R.E.A.T.E. Studios on Fridays from 12:30-1:30 PM for an activity
Mechanicville Elementary School (MACSC Camp)
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
25 Kniskern Avenue, Mechanicville
Monday - Friday
Start: July 2 | Last Day: August 22
BREAKFAST: 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Mechanicville Summer Academy High School
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
25 Kniskern Avenue, Mechanicville
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 22
BREAKFAST: 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Mechanicville Public Library
190 N. Main Street, Mechanicville
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 22
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Park Avenue Playground
711 Park Avenue, Mechanicville
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 22
LUNCH:11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Pyramid Pines
342 Cordova Way, Saratoga Springs
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 1:30 - 2:00 PM
Saratoga Hills Park
1 Maple Lane, Stillwater
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Join C.R.E.A.T.E. Studios on Thursdays 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM for an activity
Saratoga Springs Rec Center
15 Vanderbilt Ave, Saratoga Springs
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 22
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Join C.R.E.A.T.E. Studios at Jefferson Terrace on Mondays 12:00 - 1:00 PM for an activity
Saratoga Village - Grab 'n Go Site.
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
900 Rock City Road, Ballston Spa
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 1:30 - 2:00 PM
Join C.R.E.A.T.E. Studios on Tuesdays 1:15 - 2:15 PM for an activity
Schuylerville Public Library
52 Ferry Street, Schuylerville
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 22
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Summer Adventure Camp (MACSC)
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
6 S. Main Street, Mechanicville
Monday - Friday
Star: July 7 | Last Day: August 15
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
2025 Saratoga County Summer Meals Sites & Activities
Summer meals and activities are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC unless specified with enrollment details.
This Summer, Join C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios for FREE family-friendly art activities for all ages. CREATE Together is hosted in collaboration with the Saratoga Summer Meals Sites.
Cheryl's Lodge
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
24 Fern Lane, Clifton Park
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
BREAKFAST: 8 AM - 9 AM
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Clement Park
76 Grace St, Waterford
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 22
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Corinth Elementary School
356 Center St, Corinth
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
D&R Village
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
430 Route 146, Clifton Park
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 10:30 - 11:00 AM
Galaway Central School District - Grab 'n Go Site.
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
5317 Sacandaga Rd, Galway
Monday - Friday
Start: July 7 | Last Day: August 14
LUNCH: 11:00 - 11:30 AM
Greenfield Community Center - Grab 'n Go Site.
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
25 Wilton Road, Greenfield Center
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 15
LUNCH: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Kayadeross Acres
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
885 Middleline Road, Ballston Spa
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 10:30 - 11:00 AM
Louden Oaks
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
314 Louden Road, Saratoga Springs
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 12:45 - 1:15 PM
Join C.R.E.A.T.E. Studios on Wednesdays from 12:30-1:30 PM for an activity
Malta Gardens
2378 Route 9, Mechanicville
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 12:30 - 1:00 PM
Join C.R.E.A.T.E. Studios on Fridays from 12:30-1:30 PM for an activity
Mechanicville Elementary School (MACSC Camp)
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
25 Kniskern Avenue, Mechanicville
Monday - Friday
Start: July 2 | Last Day: August 22
BREAKFAST: 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Mechanicville Summer Academy High School
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
25 Kniskern Avenue, Mechanicville
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 22
BREAKFAST: 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Mechanicville Public Library
190 N. Main Street, Mechanicville
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 22
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Park Avenue Playground
711 Park Avenue, Mechanicville
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 22
LUNCH:11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Pyramid Pines
342 Cordova Way, Saratoga Springs
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 1:30 - 2:00 PM
Saratoga Hills Park
1 Maple Lane, Stillwater
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Join C.R.E.A.T.E. Studios on Thursdays 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM for an activity
Saratoga Springs Rec Center
15 Vanderbilt Ave, Saratoga Springs
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 22
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Join C.R.E.A.T.E. Studios at Jefferson Terrace on Mondays 12:00 - 1:00 PM for an activity
Saratoga Village - Grab 'n Go Site.
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
900 Rock City Road, Ballston Spa
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 29
LUNCH: 1:30 - 2:00 PM
Join C.R.E.A.T.E. Studios on Tuesdays 1:15 - 2:15 PM for an activity
Schuylerville Public Library
52 Ferry Street, Schuylerville
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 22
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Summer Adventure Camp (MACSC)
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).
6 S. Main Street, Mechanicville
Monday - Friday
Star: July 7 | Last Day: August 15
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Summer Meal Sites Have Activities
Free meals, fun-filled days, and a burst of creativity—right in your neighborhood!
At our Summer Meal Sites, kids don’t just eat—they engage, play, create, and grow! Nearly every site offers exciting, hands-on activities to keep children energized and inspired all summer! We also offer great resources for parents.
Join us at our next pantry pop-up, Nutrition-on-the-Go, or block party!
See you next Summer!
2025 Summer EBT applications are no longer being accepted. The deadline to apply for 2025 Summer EBT benefits was September 4, 2025. Any application received after this date will be reviewed for the 2026 Summer EBT program year.
Learn More at: otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/
New York State Summer EBT Program
Summer EBT is a new child nutrition program designed to help families buy groceries during the summer months when school meals are not available. This benefit provides additional support to ensure children have access to the food they need to grow, play, and thrive during summer break.
What is Summer EBT?
Eligible families will receive a pre-loaded EBT card with $120 per eligible child to purchase groceries at any location that accepts EBT, including grocery stores, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers.
Who is eligible?
Children are automatically enrolled in Summer EBT if they:
- Receive SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid benefits, or
- Are certified for free or reduced-price meals through their school
- If your child qualifies for school meal assistance and has been certified by their school, they are also eligible for Summer EBT.
How can Summer EBT be used?
Summer EBT cards can be used the same way as regular EBT cards—at any store that accepts EBT. These cards are sent by mail and are pre-loaded with funds, making them easy and convenient for families to use.
Learn More
To learn more about eligibility and how to use Summer EBT, please visit: otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/
About the Summer Meals Collaborative
Launched in 2013, the Summer Meals Collaborative, powered by United Way of the Greater Capital Region,, partners with local organizations to strengthen food access and nutrition security across the Capital Region by providing FREE meals to all kids and teens throughout the summer.
Our Mission
We believe no child should go hungry, especially when school is out.
The Summer Meals Collaborative unites knowledge, resources, and community power to create a healthier, more equitable future—one meal at a time.
Our Impact
- 2.1 million meals served since 2013.
- 80+ meal sites supported annually.
- Serving children who may otherwise go without—especially those in ALICE households and families facing food insecurity.
Why it Matters
- 1 in 5 eligible children in New York State are food insecure.
- Food insecurity harms physical health, mental well-being, and child development.
Let's make the Capital Region the BEST place to be a kid in the Summer!
When school is out, thousands of children across the Greater Capital Region lose access to regular, reliable meals. The Summer Meals Collaborative brings together individuals, community partners, and sponsors to help ensure every child can access free, nutritious meals during the summer months.
There are many ways you can get involved:
To become a sponsor or a community partner, send a message to our team at CommunityImpact@unitedwaygcr.org
Become a Summer Meals Ambassador
Are you passionate about summer meals and committed to helping families stay informed? Join our Summer Meals Ambassador Program to play an active role in expanding access and awareness. After the training is complete, you will receive an "Ask me about Summer Meals" shirt that you can wear around your community spreading the word about Summer Meals.
As an ambassador, you will:
- Help spread the word in your community
- Answer questions about meal site locations and eligibility
- Promote 2-1-1 as a vital resource for families
Complete a brief training to receive an “Ask Me About Summer Meals” t-shirt
- Step One: Fill out our Ambassador Interest Form to connect with United Way
- Step Two: Watch the 5-Minuite Summer Meals Information & Training Video
- Step Three: Wear your shirt around your community to spread the word and answer questions about Summer Meals
Use this Resource Guide as a tool for quick tips about Summer Meals.
Together, we're making the Capital Region the best place to be a kid!
Because of your generosity and dedication, we are able to continue offering free meals and activities to more kids and teens each summer, ensuring every child has the strength they need to thrive.
If you're interested in becoming a Summer Meals partner, please get in touch with our team at CommunityImpact@unitedwaygcr.org
Summer Meals Collaborative Partners
