2025 Summer Meals sites will be available in late June - SEE YOU THEN!
Free Summer Meals for Kids & Teens
This summer, ALL kids and teens can enjoy free, healthy meals at convenient locations across the Capital Region (list below) and New York State!
The Summer Meals Collaborative, powered by United Way GCR, provides free meals and engaging activities throughout the summer at accessible locations like schools, parks, libraries, community centers, and faith-based organizations. Each meal features healthy options—including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein—to ensure kids and teens receive the nutrition they need while school is out.
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
Find a Meal Site Near You:
Site locations and availability may change throughout the summer. Click here to locate a meal site in your area and learn about additional food resources in your community:
- Find sites in your county below
- Visit summermealsny.org to search for all New York State locations
- Call 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211 for local information
- Text FOOD to 304-304 to receive nearby site details on your phone
Summer EBT
Summer EBT (S-EBT) helps families with school-age kids buy food during the summer. Most eligible children will automatically receive Summer EBT, but some families may need to apply. Learn more at NYSOTDA’s Summer EBT webpage
2024 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 for FREE family-friendly art activities for all ages.
Arbor Hill Community Center
47 North Lark St, Albany (Firehouse)
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 16
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 30
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:15 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:15 PM
Capital Woods
200 Lark Drive, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 16
BREAKFAST: 9:00 - 10:30 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:15 PM
Creighton Storey Homes
158 Third Avenue, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 16
BREAKFAST: 9:00 - 10:30 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:15 PM
Join Albany Center Gallary on Wednesday & Thursday from 10 AM - 2 PM for an activity
Ezra Prentice Homes
625 South Pearl Street, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 16
BREAKFAST: 8:45 - 10:30 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:15 PM
Frank Waterson Park
63 Austain Avenue, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 9
Closed site: To access, please contact the Albany Department for Recreation at 518.434.5699 or recreation@albanyny.gov
Girls Inc (Eureka!)
1400 Washington Avenue, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 2
BREAKFAST: 8:45 - 9:20 AM
LUNCH: 12:45 - 1:30 PM
Hoffman Park
7 Hoffman Avenue, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 9
Closed site: To access, please contact the Albany Department for Recreation at 518.434.5699 or recreation@albanyny.gov
Metropolitan NTM Baptist Church
170 Ontario Street, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 4
BREAKFAST: 8:00 - 9:00 AM
Nathan Labron Early Learning Center (ACAP)
170 Ontario Street, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 23
Closed site: To access, please contact Albany Community Action Program at 518.729.2001
Refugee Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE)
240 W. Lawrence Street
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 23
Closed site: To access, please contact RISSE at 518.621.1041 or info@risse-albany.org
Scholastic Talent Showcase
8 Elm Street, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 16
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:00 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:30 PM
Scholastic Talent Showcase
8 Elm Street, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 16
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:00 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:30 PM
Skline Garden Apartments
123 Livingston Avenue - Rental Office E7
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 16
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Trinity Alliance
15 Trinity Place, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 16
BREAKFAST: 9:00 - 10:00 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Trinity Nursery & Daycare
215 Lancaster Street, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: July 31
Closed site: To access, please contact 436.4514
Vi Community Center
844 Madison Avenue, Albany
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 28
BREAKFAST: 8:15 - 8:45 AM
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Closed site: To access, please contact Albany Police Athletic League Summer Camps at 518.435.0392 or programs@albanypal.org
2024 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 otherwise specified with enrollment details.
Boys & Girls Club - Lansingburgh Clubhouse
501 4th Avenue, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
LUNCH: 12:00 -12:30 PM
SNACK: 3:00 - 3:30 PM
Open and Closed site: Contact Debbie Fleming at dfleming@rensco.com or 518-266-7501 or Alec at 518-266-7550. www.rensco.com/407/Youth-Summer-Food-Program
Boys & Girls Club - Rensselaer Clubhouse
544 Broadway, Rensselaer
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 23
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:15 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:15 PM
Boys & Girls Club - Troy Clubhouse
1700 7th Ave, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:15 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:15 PM
Corliss Park Apartments - Community Room
1450 Corliss Park, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
BREAKFAST: 8:45 - 10:00 AM
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Open and Closed site: Contact Debbie Fleming at dfleming@rensco.com or 518-266-7501 or Alec at 518-266-7550 | www.rensco.com/407/Youth-Summer-Food-Program
Grafton Elementary School
13 Babcock Road, Grafton
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 9
LUNCH: 11:00 - 11:30 AM
SNACK: 1:30 - 2:00 PM
Open and Closed site: Contact Debbie Fleming at dfleming@rensco.com or 518-266-7501 or Alec at 518-266-7550 | www.rensco.com/407/Youth-Summer-Food-Program
Griswold Heights - Community Room
350 Griswold Heights, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:30 AM
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Open and Closed site: Contact Debbie Fleming at dfleming@rensco.com or 518-266-7501 or Alec at 518-266-7550 | www.rensco.com/407/Youth-Summer-Food-Program
Hope 7 Community Center
596 Pawling Avenue, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:30 PM
SNACK: 4:00 - 4:30 PM
Call before you go - 518.272.8029
Lansingburgh Senior High School
320 7th Avenue, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 23
BREAKFAST: 7:30 - 8:30 AM
LUNCH: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Open and Closed site: Contact Debbie Fleming at dfleming@rensco.com or 518-266-7501 or Alec at 518-266-7550 | www.rensco.com/407/Youth-Summer-Food-Program
Martin Luther King Apt - In Lodge
1 Eddy Lane, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
BREAKFAST: 8:00 - 9:30 AM
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Open and Closed site: Contact Debbie Fleming at dfleming@rensco.com or 518-266-7501 or Alec at 518-266-7550 | www.rensco.com/407/Youth-Summer-Food-Program
Oakwood Community Center
313 10th Street, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 16
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:00 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Open and Closed site: Contact Debbie Fleming at dfleming@rensco.com or 518-266-7501 or Alec at 518-266-7550 | www.rensco.com/407/Youth-Summer-Food-Program
South Troy Pool
1 S. Troy Pool Lane, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 23
LUNCH: 12:30 - 1:30 PM
SNACK: 3:00 - 3:45 PM
Stephentown Fire Hall
35 Grange Hall Road, Stephentown
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 2
SNACK: 10:00 - 10:30 AM
LUNCH: 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Open and Closed site: Contact Debbie Fleming at dfleming@rensco.com or 518-266-7501 or Alec at 518-266-7550 | www.rensco.com/407/Youth-Summer-Food-Program
Sunnyside Center
110 East Sunnyside Way, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
LUNCH: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
SNACK: 2:30 - 3:15 PM
Open and Closed site: Contact Debbie Fleming at dfleming@rensco.com or 518-266-7501 or Alec at 518-266-7550 | www.rensco.com/407/Youth-Summer-Food-Program
Team Hero at Sabor Caribbean Restaurant
228 4th Street, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 16
BREAKFAST: 9:00 - 10:00 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Open and Closed site: Contact Debbie Fleming at dfleming@rensco.com or 518-266-7501 or Alec at 518-266-7550 | www.rensco.com/407/Youth-Summer-Food-Program
Troy Central Little League
3201 7th Avenue, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 9
LUNCH: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Open and Closed site: Contact Debbie Fleming at dfleming@rensco.com or 518-266-7501 or Alec at 518-266-7550 | www.rensco.com/407/Youth-Summer-Food-Program
Turnpike Elementary School
55 New Turnpike Road, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 16
BREAKFAST: 8:00 - 9:00 AM
LUNCH: 11:30 - 12:30 PM
Open and Closed site: Contact Debbie Fleming at dfleming@rensco.com or 518-266-7501 or Alec at 518-266-7550 | www.rensco.com/407/Youth-Summer-Food-Program
Unity House - Kathryn Allen Building
6 102nd Street, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 16
BREAKFAST: 8:30 - 9:00 AM
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Open and Closed site: Contact Debbie Fleming at dfleming@rensco.com or 518-266-7501 or Alec at 518-266-7550 | www.rensco.com/407/Youth-Summer-Food-Program
YMCA of Troy
2500 21st Street, Troy
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
LUNCH: 11:15 AM-12:00 PM
SNACK: 2:30 PM-3:00 PM
Open and Closed site: Contact Debbie Fleming at dfleming@rensco.com or 518-266-7501 or Alec at 518-266-7550 | www.rensco.com/407/Youth-Summer-Food-Program
2024 Saratoga County Summer Meals Sites & Activities
Summer meals and activities are open to the public unless otherwise 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
24 Fern Lane, Clifton Park
Enrollment required. Please call 518-371-1185 for details.
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
BREAKFAST: 8 AM - 9 AM
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
D&R Village
430 Route 146, Clifton Park
Enrollment required. Please call 518-371-1185 for details.
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
LUNCH: 1:00 - 1:30 PM
Fort Hardy Park
14 Ferry Street, Schuylerville
Tuesday, Wednesday &Thursday Only
Last Day: August 20
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Join C.R.E.A.T.E. Studios on Wednesdays for an activity
If you have any questions or want to support the Weekend Backpack Bags, please call 518-371-1185.
Galaway Central School District
Enrollment required. Please call 518-371-1185 for details.
Greenfield Community Center
25 Wilton Road, Greenfield Center
Enrollment required. Please call 518-371-1185 for details.
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 23
Harrison Ave Elementary School
76 Harrison Avenue, South Glens Falls
Enrollment required. Please call 518-371-1185 for details.
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 16
Kayadeross Acres
885 Middleline Road, Ballston Spa
Enrollment required. Please call 518-371-1185 for details.
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
LUNCH: 11:45 AM -12:15 PM
Louden Oaks
314 Louden Road, Saratoga Springs
Enrollment required. Please call 518-371-1185 for details.
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
LUNCH: 12:15 - 12:45 PM
Join C.R.E.A.T.E. Studios on Tuesdays for an activity
Malta Gardens
2378 Route 9, Mechanicville
Enrollment required. Please call 518-371-1185 for details.
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
LUNCH: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Join C.R.E.A.T.E. Studios on Fridays for an activity
Mechanicville Elementary School
25 Kniskern Avenue, Mechanicville
Enrollment required. Please call 518-371-1185 for details.
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 23
BREAKFAST: 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
LUNCH: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Mechanicville Public Library
190 N. Main Street, Mechanicville
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 23
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Park Avenue Playground
711 Park Avenue, Mechanicville
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 23
LUNCH:11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Pyramid Pines
342 Cordova Way, Saratoga Springs
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
LUNCH: 1:00 - 1:30 PM
Saratoga Hills Park
1 Maple Lane, Stillwater
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30 LUNCH: 11:00 - 11:30 AM
Saratoga Village
900 Rock City Road, Ballston Spa
Enrollment required. Please call 518-371-1185 for details.
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
LUNCH: 11:00 - 11:30 AM
Join C.R.E.A.T.E. Studios on Thursdays for an activity
Schuylerville Public Library
52 Ferry Street, Schuylerville
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 23
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
South Glens Falls Senior High School
42 Merrit Road, South Glens Falls
Enrollment required. Please call 518-371-1185 for details.
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 8
Summer Adventure Camp
6 S. Main Street, Mechanicville
Enrollment required. Please call 518-371-1185 for details.
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 16
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
2024 Schenectady County Summer Meals Sites & Activities
Summer meals and activities are open to the public unless otherwise 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.
Farm-to-Family Wheels: Harvesting Nutrition on the Go with fresh produce and other items available.
For more information, please contact Elaine Reynolds at ReynoldsE@Schenectadyschools.org, Rebekka Henriksen at HenriksenR@schenectadyschools.org, or Ryan Williams at WilliamsR@schenectadyschools.org.
Central Park Pavilion
500 Iroquois Way & Ashmore Avenue
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 23
LUNCH: 12:30 - 1:45 PM
Join C.R.E.A.T.E. Studios on Thursdays for an activity
Farm-to-Family Wheels: Tuesday & Friday | 11:00 - 11:20 AM
Girls Inc.
962 Albany Street
Monday - Friday
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON - SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
Hillhurst Park
2301 Campbell Avenue
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 23
LUNCH: 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Summer Block Party: August 1 | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Farm-to-Family Wheels: Tuesday & Friday | 1:10 - 1:30 PM
Jerry Buell Park
753 Hamilton Street
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
LUNCH: 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Summer Block Party: August 28 | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Farm-to-Family Wheels: Tuesday & Friday
- July 16 - August 23 | 12:40 - 1:00 PM
- August 27 & August 30 | 11:35 - 11:55 PM
Messiah Lutheran Church
2850 Guilderland Avenue
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON - SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
Quackenbush Park
1101 Forest Road
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 23
LUNCH: 12:15 - 1:30 PM
Summer Block Party: August 5 | 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Farm-to-Family Wheels: Tuesday & Friday | 12:10 - 12:30 PM
Schenectady Hindu Temple
1052 Pleasant Street
Monday - Friday
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON - SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
Schenectady Public Library
99 Clinton Street
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Summer Block Party: August 13 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Farm-to-Family Wheels: Tuesday & Friday | 11:00 - 11:20 AM
Southgate Apartments
105 Frank Street
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
LUNCH: 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Join C.R.E.A.T.E. Studios on Mondays for an activity
Farm-to-Family Wheels: Tuesday & Friday | 11:00 - 11:20 AM
*August 27 & 30 | 12:05 - 12:25 PM
Steinmetz Park
2114 Lenox Road
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 23
LUNCH: 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
Join C.R.E.A.T.E. Studios on Tuesdays for an activity
Farm-to-Family Wheels: Tuesday & Friday | 1:15 - 1:35 PM
Sycamore Collaborative
837 Albany Street
Monday - Friday
Last Day: August 30
LUNCH: 12:00 - 1:15 PM
Farm-to-Family Wheels: Tuesday & Friday | 1:15 - 1:35 PM
About the Summer Meals Collaborative
The Summer Meals Collaborative was launched in 2013 to address childhood hunger by offering FREE meals to ALL kids & teens throughout the summer. United Way of the Greater Capital Region works with local partners to share knowledge, networks, and resources to build a more food-secure landscape in our community.
Summer Meals has served 1.9 million meals since 2013! Help us raise awareness to add new partners, and meal sites and promote nutrition security in the Capital Region by donating today.
No Kid Should Go Hungry
Lack of nutritious food, especially at an early age, can have long-lasting effects on a child's education and development. Research shows food insecurity affects both physical and mental health and brain development in children.
Out of the approximately 50,000 children who eat free and reduced-price meals during the school year, less than one in seven accesses free summer meals.
- 7.3% of New Yorkers reported food insufficiency in the summer of 2021
- 10.8% of New Yorkers reported food insufficiency in the fall of 2022
- 13.4% of New York households with children reported food insufficiency in the fall of 2022
Summer Meals are Essential to Nutrition Security
Rates of food insufficiency have remained elevated for ALICE households since the beginning of the pandemic. ALICE households live above the Federal Poverty Level but don't earn enough to afford a basic survival budget.
Learn more about what the Summer Meals Collaborative tells us about the issue of hunger in the Capital Region.
Collaborative Members
Albany Center Gallery - Activity Partner
Boys & Girls Club of Capital Area
CAPTAIN Community Human Services
C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios- Activity Partner
New York State Education Department
Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York
Rensselaer County Dept. for Youth
Russel Sage College - Research Partner
Schenectady City School District
Schenectady Community Ministries
Siena College - Research Partner
Thank you to the Summer Meals Collaborative Partners!
Because of your generosity, we are able to offer free meals and activities to kids and teens throughout the summer. Together, we're making the Capital Region the best place to be a kid. If you're interested in becoming a Summer Meals partner, please get in touch with our team at CommunityImpact@unitedwaygcr.org.
Help make the Capital Region the best place to be a kid!
Support United Way's Summer Meals Collaborative to ensure no child goes hungry this summer. Summer Meals sites provide free meals and fun activities for kids and teens during the summer break. Your donation can make a lasting impact. Donate today to keep children well-fed and active all summer long!
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