Summer Food Assistance Programs and Distribution Locations Available
With the 2021-22 school year in the past, numerous organizations throughout Allegheny County are helping to feed children, as well as provide meals and groceries to local families, during the summer months. Organizations such as the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh have various summer food programs and distribution locations to fill the gap of meals children usually have during the school year.
Find a Local Summer Food Assistance Program
If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance during the summer, view the list below for information about available summer programs and services:
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Distribution
Starting in July 2022, distributions will be moving from pre-packed boxes to, instead, distributing a mix of loose grocery items in family sized portions. Two distribution options will be offered: a drive-up where volunteers will pack your trunk while you stay in your car and a walk-in event where you can pick-up food indoors. Learn more.
Summer Meals at the Library
Meals are for youth ages 18 and younger and those with disabilities up to age 21. Summer Meals are being offered locally in collaboration with Pittsburgh CitiParks as part of the federally funded Summer Food Service Program. For dates, times, and locations, visit the Carnegie Library website.
Summer Youth Cafe
The Summer Youth Cafe (known nationally as the Summer Food Program) is a federal nutrition program from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide kids and teens with healthy meals over the summer months. These sites are open to anyone 18 years old or younger, and there is no cost. Families can find a Summer Youth Café by texting “FOOD” to 304-304 or by calling 2-1-1 for the United Way hotline. Learn more.
Citiparks’ Summer Food Service Program 2022 (GrubUp!)
The 2022 Summer Food Service Program began Wednesday, June 22, 2022. Breakfast is served from 9 to 10 a.m. lunch is served from noon to 2 p.m. For additional information, visit the website or contact Citiparks Food Programs Office at 412.571.3291.
Just Harvest Fresh Access
The Fresh Access program enables shoppers to use their food stamps – as well as credit and debit cards – to buy fresh, nutritious, and locally-grown food. Food Bucks give food stamp shoppers an extra $2.00 to spend on fruits and veggies for every $5 they spend. Fresh Access services are available in Allegheny County at 15 farmers markets during the 2022 farmers market season. The season runs May to November, and at one market from December through March 2023. Learn more.
USDA Meals for Kids Site Finder
Families seeking food assistance for their children can contact the USDA National Hunger Hotline, operated by Hunger Free America. The hotline can be reached Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. at 1.866.3.HUNGRY (1.866.348.6479) (for English) or 1.877.8.HAMBRE (1.877.842.6273) (for Spanish). Learn more.
Families can type their location or address into the interactive map to find directions to nearby sites as well as hours of operation and contact information.