Summer Meals Collaborative

Summer meal participant
United Way's Summer Meals Collaborative provides free nutritious meals and engaging activities throughout the summer at accessible locations

Summer Meal sites may change. Check back for updates and new home activities!

FREE MEALS & ACTIVITIES FOR TEENS & KIDS ALL SUMMER LONG!

Kids and teens—join the fun this summer! Enjoy FREE meals, awesome activities, block parties, and fresh food from pop-up farmers markets at locations across the Capital Region and New York State.

Find a site near you below and start enjoying summer!

Find A Site Near You

Find a meal and activity site below near you that's hosted by the Summer Meals Collaborative. Visit summermealsny.org for all New York sites.

ALBANY
County 

2026 Albany County 
Summer Meals Sites & Activities

Summer meals and activities are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC unless specified with enrollment details.

Questions about Albany County Sites? Contact the Albany Housing Authority Resource Center at 518-380-5600 or ResourceCenter@albanyhousing.org


Arbor Hill Community Center 
47 North Lark St, Albany (Firehouse) 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 14
BREAKFAST: 9:00 - 10:00 AM 
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM


Capital Woods 
200 Lark Drive, Albany    
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 14
BREAKFAST: 9:00 - 10:30 AM 
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM

  • Join Albany Center Gallery EVERY TUESDAY from 10:00–1:30 PM for FREE art & music programs

Creighton Storey Homes 
158 Third Avenue, Albany 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 14
BREAKFAST: 9:00 - 10:30 AM 
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM


Girls Inc (Eureka! Summer Camp) 
1400 Washington Avenue, Albany 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: July 31
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:15 AM 
LUNCH: 12:45 - 1:30 PM 


Metropolitan NTM Baptist Church 
105 2nd Street, Albany 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: June 29
Last Day: August 7
BREAKFAST: 8:00 - 9:00 AM 


Scholastic Talent Summer Camp 
23A Walker Way, Albany 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 14
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 10:30 AM 
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM 


Skyline Garden Apartments 
123 Livingston Avenue - Rental Office, E7 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 14
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM


Superhero Academy (Summer Camp) 
20 Ten Eyck Avenue, Albany 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 14 
BREAKFAST: 9:00 - 10:30 AM 
LUNCH: 12:00 - 2:00 PM


Trinity Institution
15 Trinity Place, Albany 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 14
BREAKFAST: 9:00 - 10:30 AM 
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM


COLUMBIA & GREENE
County

2026 Columbia & Greene County 
Summer Meals Sites & Activities

Summer meals and activities are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC unless specified with enrollment details.


Community Action of Greene County–Bi-Weekly Summer Backpack
7856 Route 9W, Catskill
Friday 
Starts: July
Ends: August
For More information, please call Community Action of Greene County at 518-943-9205


Hunter Elementary School–Weekly Summer Backpack
6094 Main St, Tannersville
Friday 
Starts: July
Ends: August
For More information, please call The Regional Food Bank at 518-786-3691 and ask for Betsy Dickson 


Ichabod Crane CSD–Weekly Summer Backpack
3212 Church St, Valatie
Friday 
Starts: July
Ends: August
For More information, please call The Regional Food Bank at 518-786-3691 and ask for Betsy Dickson 


Salvation Army, Hudson–Weekly Summer Backpack
40 South 3rd St, Hudson
Friday 
Starts: July
Ends: August
For More information, please call The Regional Food Bank at 518-786-3691 and ask for Betsy Dickson 
 

MONTGOMERY & SCHOHARIE
County 

2026 Schoharie County Summer Meals


The Joshua Project
Ashmore Ave,  Schenectady
Fridays
First Day: July
Last Day: August
Weekly Summer Backpack: For more information, please call The Regional Food Bank at 518-786-3691 and ask for Betsy Dickson 


2026 Montgomery County Summer Meals


Check back for more site details
 

RENSSELAER
County

2026 Rensselaer County 
Summer Meals Sites

Summer meals and activities are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC unless specified with enrollment details.


Arnold Fallon Apartments 
Please call 518-274-3781 for more information and to register your child(ren)
847 River Street, Troy 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 7 
Last Day: August 15 
BREAKFAST: 9:00 - 9:45 AM 
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:45 PM


Boys & Girls Club
Rensselaer Clubhouse 
544 Broadway, Rensselaer 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: 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
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 28
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:30 PM 
SNACK: 3:00 - 3:30 PM


Boys & Girls Club
Troy Clubhouse 
1700 7th Ave, Troy 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 28
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:15 AM 
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:45 PM


Grafton Community Library 
2455 NY Route 2, Grafton
GRAB-N-GO Breakfast & Lunch. Please call the library at 518-279-0580 for more information
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 28


Grafton Summer Camp
Grafton State Park, 100 Grafton Lk St Pk Way
GRAB-N-GO Meals. Registration is required. Please call 518-266-7501 for more information
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 13
Last Day: August 14


Griswold Heights – Community Room 
350 Griswold Heights, Troy 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 21
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:30 AM 
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM


Hope 7 Community Center 
596 Pawling Avenue, Troy 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: June 29
Last Day: August 21
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM


Knickerbacker Park 
191 103rd St., Troy 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 28
BREAKFAST: 10:00 - 10:30 AM 
LUNCH: 2:30 - 3:00 PM


Martin Luther King Apt – LODGE 
1 Eddy Lane, Troy
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 28
BREAKFAST: 8:00 - 9:30 AM 
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM


Phelan Apartments
17 Hopkins St, Troy
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 21
BREAKFAST: 8:00 - 9:30 AM 
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM


South Troy Pool 
1 S. Troy Pool Lane, Troy 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 1
Last Day: August 28 
LUNCH: 1:30 - 2:15 PM 
SNACK: 3:00 - 4:15 PM


Stephentown Fire Hall/Summer Camp 
35 Grange Hall Road, Stephentown 
Please call 518-266-7501 for more information and to register
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: July 31


Stephentown Memorial Library 
472 State Route 43, Stephentown 
GRAB-N-GO Breakfast & Lunch. Please call the library at 518-733-5750 for more information.
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 28


Sunnyside Center 
110 East Sunnyside Way, Troy 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: June 29
Last Day: August 7
LUNCH: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 
SNACK: 2:30 - 3:15 PM


Team Hero
274 2nd St. Troy
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 21
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:30 AM 
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM


Unity House - Summer Camp 
79  102nd St. Troy
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 28
BREAKFAST: 9:00 - 9:30 AM 
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:30 PM


YMCA of Troy 
2500 21st Street, Troy 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 28
LUNCH: 11:00 AM-12:00 PM 
SNACK: 3:00 PM-3:30 PM

SARATOGA
County 

2026 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).  
25 Fern Lane, Clifton Park 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: June 26
Last Day: September 4
BREAKFAST: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM


Clement Park 
76 Grace St, Waterford 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: June 29
Last Day: August 21
LUNCH: 11:00 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 
First Day: June 29
Last Day: September 4
LUNCH: 10:30 - 11:00 AM


Galway 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 
Elementary School
Monday - Thursday
First Day: July 6
Last Day: July 30
LUNCH: 10:00 - 10:30 AM
High School
Monday - Friday
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 13
LUNCH: 10:00 - 10:30 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 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 28 
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 
First Day: June 29
Last Day: September 4
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 
First Day: June 29
Last Day: September 4
LUNCH: 12:45 - 1:15 PM


Malta Gardens 
2378 Route 9, Mechanicville 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: June 29
Last Day: September 4
LUNCH: 12:30 - 1:00 PM


MACSC Summer Adventure Camp 
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).  
6 S. Main Street, Mechanicville 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 1
Last Day: August 21
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM


Mechanicville Central Schools Elementary School
Please call 518 371-1185 for more information and to register your child(ren).  
25 Kniskern Avenue, Mechanicville 
Elementary School (MACSC Camp)
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 7
LUNCH: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Elementary School (Summer Camp)
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 1
Last Day: August 28
BREAKFAST: 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
High School (Summer Academy)
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 14
BREAKFAST: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
LUNCH: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM


Mechanicville Public Library 
190 N. Main Street, Mechanicville 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 1
Last Day: August 14
LUNCH: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM


Park Avenue Playground 
711 Park Avenue, Mechanicville 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 1
Last Day: August 21
LUNCH: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM


Pyramid Pines 
342 Cordova Way, Saratoga Springs 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: June 29
Last Day: September 4
LUNCH: 1:30 - 2:00 PM


Saratoga Hills Park 
1 Maple Lane, Stillwater 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: June 29
Last Day: September 4
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM


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 
First Day: June 29
Last Day: September 4
LUNCH: 1:30 - 2:00 PM


Schuylerville Public Library 
52 Ferry Street, Schuylerville 
Monday - Friday 
First Day: June 29
Last Day: August 21
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM


SCHENECTADY
County 

2026 Schenectady 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 Schenectady Summer Meals Sites.


Central Park Pavilion
Ashmore Ave,  Schenectady
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 1
Last Day: September 4
LUNCH: 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM

  • Block Party: July 14 from 4:30 – 6:30 PM
  • CREATE Together: Thursdays | 12:00-4:00 PM

Girls Inc. 
962 Albany St, Schenectady
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: July 31
LUNCH: 12:00 – 1:00 PM


Hillhurst Park
2301 Campbell Ave, Schenectady
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 21
LUNCH: 12:30 – 1:30 PM

  • Block Party: August 11 from 4:30 – 6:30 PM
  • CREATE Together: Wednesdays | 12:00-2:00 PM

Jerry Burrell Park
753 Hamilton St, Schenectady
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 1
Last Day: September 4
LUNCH: 12:15 – 1:15 PM

  • Block Party: August 25 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM
  • CREATE Together: Fridays | 12:00-2:00 PM 

Mont Pleasant Library 
1036 Crane St, Schenectady
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 1
Last Day: September 4
LUNCH: 12:30 – 1:30 PM


Schenectady Public Library 
99 Clinton St, Schenectady
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 1
Last Day: September 4
LUNCH: 12:00 – 1:00 PM


Southgate Apartments
105 Frank St, Schenectady
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 1
Last Day: September 4
LUNCH: 12:15 – 1:15 PM

  • CREATE Together: Mondays | 12:00-2:00 PM 

Steinmetz Park
2114 Lenox Rd, Schenectady
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 6
Last Day: August 21
LUNCH: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

  • CREATE Together: Tuesdays | 11:00 AM-1:00 PM 

Tribute Park
868 Eastern Ave, Schenectady
Monday - Friday 
First Day: July 1
Last Day: September 4
LUNCH: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM


Discover your Rainbow Weekly

The color red is vibrant and exciting! It is often associated with strong feelings like love, energy, and enthusiasm. Here are some fun facts and activities to explore the color red with kids:

Fun Facts about Red

  • Nature: Red is the color of many fruits like strawberries and cherries, as well as animals like ladybugs and cardinals.
  • Emotions: Red can represent feelings of warmth and passion, making it a popular color for hearts and love symbols.
  • Safety: Red is often used in stop signs and warning signals to grab attention and indicate caution.

Start Creating in Red!

Red Week Activity Sheet

Activity 1

Activity 2

The color orange is vibrant and fun, making it a favorite among kids! Orange is a bright color that combines red and yellow. It is often associated with warmth, sunshine, and energy.

Things That Are Orange:

Common orange objects include oranges (the fruit), pumpkins, carrots, and sunsets.
Many animals, like goldfish and some butterflies, also have orange colors.

Start Creating in Orange

Orange Week

Activity 1

Activity 2

Yellow is a bright and cheerful color! 

Fun Facts About Yellow:

  • Symbol of Happiness: Yellow is often associated with sunshine and happiness, making it a favorite color for many children.
  • Nature's Color: Many fruits and flowers are yellow, such as bananas, lemons, and sunflowers, which can be fun to explore in nature.
  • Color Mixing: When mixed with blue, yellow creates green, and when mixed with red, it makes orange. This can be a fun experiment for kids!
  • Visibility: Yellow is one of the most visible colors, which is why it's often used for warning signs and school buses to keep everyone safe.
  • Cultural Significance: In some cultures, yellow represents joy and prosperity, making it a special color during celebrations.

Start Creating in Yellow

Yellow Activity

This week's activity video shows you ways to bring your doodles to life!

Activity Sheet 

Summer Meals Ambassadors

Help us spread the word about Summer Meals

We want to make the Capital Region the best place to be a kid and we need your help to make it happen. Becoming a Summer Meals Ambassador means you will play a crucial role in helping spread awareness about the program and connect families to resources and meal sites.

As an ambassador you will:

  • Receive a Summer Meals T-shirt designed to spark conversation and spread awareness
  • Share resources provided by United Way’s informational toolkit
  • Post about Summer Meals Collaborative on social media platforms
  • Engage your personal network by sharing your experiences related to Summer Meals Collaborative
  • Optional: Attend a block party site to experience Summer Meals Collaborative firsthand

Check back for flyers, social posts and more to help get the word out about Summer Meals in your neighborhood!

Activities and Resources

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. 

  • C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studio Activities
  • Albany Center Gallery Activities
  • Schenectady Block Parties
  • Farmer Stand Pop Ups
  • 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?

Summer EBT is an annual food benefit program that helps eligible families with school-age children buy groceries at any location that accepts EBT, including grocery stores, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers during the summer when kids might not have access to school meals.

Most eligible children will automatically receive Summer EBT food benefits; however, some families may need to apply.

Summer EBT benefits will be issued once per year, in the full amount of $120 for each eligible child. Benefits are loaded onto an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card and can be used wherever SNAP/EBT benefits are accepted.

Learn More

To learn more about eligibility and how to use Summer EBT, please visit: 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?

Summer EBT is an annual food benefit program that helps eligible families with school-age children buy groceries at any location that accepts EBT, including grocery stores, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers during the summer when kids might not have access to school meals.

Most eligible children will automatically receive Summer EBT food benefits; however, some families may need to apply.

Summer EBT benefits will be issued once per year, in the full amount of $120 for each eligible child. Benefits are loaded onto an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card and can be used wherever SNAP/EBT benefits are accepted.

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

The Summer Meals Collaborative unites knowledge, resources, and community power to create a healthier, more equitable future—one meal at a time.

Launched in 2013, the 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 Impact 

  • 2.2 million meals served since 2013.
  • 90+ 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.

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

MVP Health Care Logo

Tri City Rentals Logo

Albany Med Health System

Andy Marsh & Kathy Mattes

Stewarts Shops

Mohawk Honda Logo

The Summer Meals Collaborative

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