Free Summer Meals for Pittsburgh Children

As schools close for summer break, Pittsburgh is ensuring children under 18 have access to nutritious meals through a continuing free program. This collaborative effort between CitiParks, Pittsburgh Public Schools, and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank provides free breakfast, lunch, and snacks at eight rec centers and over 40 partner locations across the city until mid-August.

The program, announced at an event in Highland Park featuring various family-friendly activities, aims to bridge the gap in food access during the summer months. Last year, the initiative served more than 70,000 breakfasts, over 100,000 lunches, and more than 20,000 snacks, demonstrating its significant impact.

Eric Sloan, Director of Parks and Recreation, emphasized the success of community partnerships in achieving this goal, stating, "Together, we're helping to ensure that children remain healthy, active and connected throughout the summer." Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Walters added that the need for reliable food access continues beyond the school year, encouraging families to utilize and spread awareness about the program.

Kelsey Gross of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank noted that approximately 54,000 children in Allegheny County depend on school meals daily. Nationwide, a significant gap exists between students eligible for free or reduced-price lunches and those participating in summer meal programs, a disparity this Pittsburgh initiative seeks to reduce.