How You Can Help Maryland’s Youth Stay Fed This Summer
No school. No cafeteria. No guaranteed meals.
For thousands of children across Maryland, summer break doesn’t just mean time away from the classroom—it means losing access to the free and reduced-price meals they rely on during the school year. When schools close, the risk of hunger rises.
But across the state, organizations, volunteers, and community programs are stepping up to make sure no child goes without.
The Summer Meal Gap
During the school year, many children count on breakfast and lunch through school meal programs. When summer arrives, that safety net disappears, leaving families to stretch already-tight budgets.
In Maryland, where one in four children lives in a food-insecure household, the effects are serious. The summer meal gap can lead to:
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Poor nutrition
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Developmental setbacks
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Difficulty focusing and learning when school resumes
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Added stress for working parents
Programs Making a Difference
Fortunately, Maryland is home to a strong network of summer food programs designed to reach children where they live, learn, and play.
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Mobile Meal Delivery
Organizations like the Baltimore Hunger Project and Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland bring meals directly into neighborhoods, using vans and buses to reach families with the greatest need. -
Community Centers and Parks
Recreation centers, churches, and libraries serve as meal hubs, offering free lunches along with safe activities, tutoring, and summer programs. -
Grab-and-Go Meal Sites
Through partnerships with schools and nonprofits, the Summer Food Service Program provides ready-to-eat meals at convenient pickup locations throughout the state. -
Local Champions
Volunteers, grassroots groups, and faith communities play a vital role by packing meals, coordinating deliveries, and spreading awareness.
How You Can Help
Everyone has a part to play in making sure Maryland’s children stay nourished this summer:
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Volunteer with a meal site, delivery route, or packing team
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Donate funds or food supplies to programs like the Maryland Food Bank or Baltimore Hunger Project
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Host a food drive through your business, school, church, or neighborhood
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Share information about local summer meal sites so families know where to go
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Help families find resources through mdsummermeals.org, a searchable tool for free meal locations
Because Every Child Deserves a Nourishing Summer
Summer should be a season of fun, growth, and exploration—not hunger. With community support, Maryland’s youth can enjoy the healthy meals they need to thrive.
Together, we can keep kids nourished, supported, and ready for the school year ahead.
