Free Summer Lunch Program for Kids Now in Session

More than 30,000 kids in the Lehigh Valley are food insecure, meaning they don’t have access to healthy meals every day. Many of these children rely on school lunches to provide a well-rounded meal, so summertime means skipping meals and empty stomachs.

Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital is fighting summer hunger by providing free lunches to kids through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), a federally funded, state-run program that helps ensure youth living in low-income areas don’t go hungry when school is out.

“Each summer, we serve thousands of lunches to children in the 17th Street community through the Summer Food Service Program,” says Kristen Hoben, program manager, Weller Health Education. “What started out as a small program, serving 25 meals a day, has now grown to serving 75+ lunches a day. While we are thrilled to be able to provide free lunches to children, the increase in participation speaks to the issue of rising food insecurity in our community.”

Any child in Allentown age 18 or younger is eligible to participate in the Children’s Hospital’s free summer lunch program. No registration is required, and no personal information is collected.

“Because almost every child in the Allentown School District is eligible for free or reduced-priced meals through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, we don’t have to screen for eligibility,” Hoben says. “We’re an open site, meaning no registration or identification is required.”

When – Children can receive lunches Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. until Thursday, Aug. 24.

Where – The program takes place inside the Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–17th Street School of Nursing building’s auditorium on the first floor.

“Participating in programs like the Summer Meals Program is part of LVHN’s mission as a not-for-profit organization to give back to the community and make it the best it can be.” - Kristen Hoben

When the kids come to LVH–17th Street for lunch, they have fun. There’s music, and they can pick up crayons and coloring paper. There’s also a book nook where kids can join for story time and can even take a book home with them for free.

Everyone is happy while learning about the benefits of healthy eating and exercise. And they leave with a full stomach.

“Participating in programs like the Summer Meals Program is part of LVHN’s mission as a not-for-profit organization to give back to the community and make it the best it can be,” Hoben says.

If you have any questions about the free summer lunch program, email wellerhealth@lvhn.org.