The Kentucky Department of Education has announced that children across the state can access free meals through the Summer Food Service Program — known as Sun Meals — beginning late May and continuing through August.

The program provides nutritious meals at no cost to children 18 and under in low-income areas, according to the Kentucky Teacher. KDE partners with school districts and community organizations statewide to offer the meals alongside recreational and educational activities during school breaks.

More than 2,000 sites are expected to serve meals this summer, with locations including schools, parks, community centers, libraries and faith-based organizations. In rural areas, meals may be offered for multiple days at a time or available for take-home, accommodating families who face transportation challenges.

The expanded reach reflects continued growth in the program's reach. Last year, free summer meals became available in all 120 Kentucky counties for the first time in history, with nearly 11 million meals served between May and August 2025.

"Children who depend on school lunch and breakfast can now access healthy summer meals in every Kentucky county," said Cathy Gallagher, Summer Food Service program manager at the Kentucky Department of Education, noting that the program helps ensure kids return to school healthy and ready to learn.

Families can locate nearby meal sites through the USDA's Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder or by calling the USDA Hunger Hotline at (866) 348-6479. Meal locations and service times vary by community.