Here’s how to get help with food for your kids this summer in Atlanta

ATLANTA — If you live in Atlanta and need help with food for your kids this summer, Atlanta’s annual Summer Food Program is back.

The annual program serves breakfast and lunch onsite to school-aged children up to age 18. Meals are provided at participating City of Atlanta recreation centers through Camp Best Friends as well as other partner locations.

The food program kicks off June 6 and ends July 29.

“This program allows the City to stand in the gap for Atlanta’s children—many of whom go hungry during the summer months when school-provided lunches are unavailable,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “Thank you to Parks and Recreation and our partners for leading our efforts to ensure our most vulnerable receive the reliable, healthy nutrition the deserve year-round.”

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Children who are enrolled in the City of Atlanta’s Camp Best Friends have immediate access to the program. Additionally, open enrollment in the Bright from the Start program is available through partners including nonprofit organizations, libraries, churches, etc. A complete list of providers can be found on the City of Atlanta Department of Park and Recreation website at https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/summer-food-program-on-wheels.

To provide greater accessibility to families without transportation, the Summer Food Program will relaunch the Mobile Feeding Program on Wheels. The mobile service will help provide as many as 5,000 additional meals this summer.

The city has partnered with Bright from the Start Summer Food Program since 1975. The collaboration, which is federally funded, serves as a resource to communities where food insecurity and accessibility threaten quality of life. This summer, the aim is to serve an average of 3,000 meals daily to Atlanta children, totaling over 150,000 meals by summer’s end. 

Parents or guardians may call 404-546-3122 or go online and enter their zip code at http://www.decal.ga.gov/Nutrition/Search.aspx to find the nearest service provider. Hours vary by location.

To register for Camp Best Friends, visit a City of Atlanta recreation center, register onlinehttps://apm.activecommunities.com/atlantadprca/Activity_Search or email us at campbestfriends@atlantaga.gov.