Finding affordable and nutritious meal options for the whole family can be a challenge, especially during the summer months. When schools are out, the routine changes, and ensuring kids get the meals they need becomes a top priority for many Albuquerque families. Fortunately, the City of Albuquerque offers a fantastic Summer Food Service Program, providing free, healthy meals for children across the city. This initiative acts as an invaluable resource, helping families access nutritious food without stretching their budgets. Think of it as your go-to “Albuquerque Restaurant Family Meal” solution, but instead of dining out, it’s about bringing healthy meals to your kids in convenient community locations.
This summer, from June 3rd to July 26th at park locations and starting June 17th at community centers, Albuquerque is hosting numerous sites where children aged 1–18 can receive free breakfast and lunch. Meals are served on a first-come, first-served basis for one hour at each location, making it easy to incorporate into your daily summer schedule. The program aims to ensure that all children have access to nutritious meals during the summer break, bridging the gap when school meal programs are not available.
To make planning even easier, the city provides downloadable menus for both breakfast and lunch. You can view the Summer Breakfast Menu and Lunch Menu online to see what delicious and healthy options are being served. This transparency helps families know what to expect and can even get kids excited about trying new foods. For a complete list of participating locations, a PDF Site Listing is also available for download, offering addresses and schedules at your fingertips.
A city employee hands a packaged lunch to a child in a park.
The Summer Food Service Program operates with a few simple rules to ensure it runs smoothly and benefits as many children as possible. To receive a meal, children must be present and be between the ages of 1 and 18. Meals are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and each child receives a complete meal, including milk. It’s important to note that meals are for children only; adults cannot receive meals without a child present. To maintain the program’s integrity and community spirit, meals must be eaten at the site and cannot be taken away. Participants are also asked to clean up their area after eating and to respect others at the site, ensuring a pleasant environment for everyone.
For those looking to give back to the community, the Summer Meals Volunteer Opportunities page is a great resource. The program relies on volunteers to help facilitate meal service at park locations throughout Albuquerque. If you are interested in contributing to this valuable program, you can find more information and sign up on the Volunteer Opportunity Page. Volunteering is a rewarding way to support local children and families while ensuring the program’s continued success.
The 2024 Summer Meal Sites are conveniently located across Albuquerque. Starting June 3rd, various locations including schools and community organizations began offering meals. From June 5th, numerous parks joined the program, many of which also feature “Story Time In the Park,” adding an extra element of fun and engagement for younger children. Community Centers started participating from June 17th, further expanding the reach of the program. Remember to check the PDF Site Listing for the most up-to-date locations and schedules, as sites are subject to change. Locations marked with an asterisk in the listing offer the APS Story Time In the Park, making these sites particularly appealing for families with younger children looking for both food and entertainment.
Whether you are seeking budget-friendly “Albuquerque restaurant family meal” alternatives or simply want to ensure your children have access to nutritious meals this summer, the City of Albuquerque’s Summer Food Service Program is an excellent resource. It provides a reliable, accessible, and free way to feed children throughout the summer months, supporting families and fostering a healthy community. Take advantage of this program and enjoy a worry-free summer knowing your kids have access to the meals they need.
