The Summer Food Service Program is an initiative that offers free meals to students 18 years and younger when schools are not in session. Funded federally, the summer food program is usually carried out together with educational and/or recreational activities.

Basically, the summer food program aims to provide food to students who come from low income families and have depended heavily on the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. Since these two school meal programs are carried out only during school days, the summer food program fills the gap. Handled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, students of low income families can still enjoy free or low-priced meals that have met the nutrition allowance laid out by the appropriate agencies.

The summer food program does not have eligibility requirements in order for children or students to participate in the program. All they need to do is show up at the venue and they will be given their meals. Though there will be no need for proof of age or income, children are required to register or get meal tickets.

Meals are prepared and served by sponsors, who are, in turn, reimbursed by the Department of Agriculture.

The summer food program encourages bonding between students and children. Aside from healthy meals, children also benefit socially as they get the chance to interact with other children of similar backgrounds.