This summer, kids can receive free breakfast and lunch at locations across Wichita. This wonderful Summer Food Program is back for 2026! The program is open to any kid ages 18 and under. There are no qualifying guidelines or paperwork to complete—just a free meal provided by the WPS Summer Food Program.
Wichita Public Schools will offer FREE meals for children and teens across Wichita. Kids can get healthy meals during the summer months when school is out of session, and adults can also get breakfast and lunch for a fee. This year, it will run from May 27 to July 24, 2026.
General Info About FREE Meals for Kids in Wichita
Who can qualify for the free meals, what meals are available, and how do we get the free meals for kids?
- Breakfast and lunch will be available.
- No application is required.
- Any child can participate. You do not need to be a Wichita Public School student.
- At most locations, meals must be consumed onsite. You can take fruit or grain from their meal offsite to eat later.
- For onsite meals, children must be present. Parents or guardians can not pick up meals on behalf of their kids.
- Look for large yellow signs to see what door to enter at each location (locations are listed below).
- This year, one site will have up to 3,000 to-go meals available for those who register in advance each week. This has limited availability and distinct rules.
About the Menu
- The menus are subject to change.
- The meals served are healthy and follow USDA nutrition guidelines.
- Breakfast will include: 1 serving of grain, 1 serving of fruit or juice, and 1 serving milk
- Lunch will include: 1 serving of grain, 1 serving of protein, 1 serving of fruit, 1 serving of vegetable, 1 serving of milk
- Protein may include: yogurt, cheese stick, and other protein sources
- Lunches are boxed lunches, with a hot entree offered on most days.
- All sites will be closed on July 3 & 4
- Meals are free for all children ages 1-18. Adults are welcome to purchase a meal
- Adult breakfast price: $3.25
- Adult lunch price: $5.75
- Please bring exact change; site staff do not carry money
- Visit the Summer Food Program for more information and updates.
Answers about USD 259’s Free Summer Kids Meals Program
What is the summer meal program? The summer meal program is a USDA-funded program and is designed to provide kids and teens ages 1-18 with healthy meals during the summer months when school is out of session.
Where do I go to get free meals? Yard signs will be used at each site to direct children and parents to the correct door. Doors will be marked with bright yellow signs. A map of all sites, including address, dates, and times, is coming soon.
What are the requirements for my child or teen to receive a meal? There is no application or registration required to receive an onsite meal. You do not need to provide proof of income, residency or citizenship. Just show up with the kids! To-go meals from the site that offers them will require weekly advance registration and may be picked up by a parent.
Is there a cost? No. All summer meals offered through the USDA’s program are free to all children, ages 1-18.
Do meals have to be eaten onsite? Yes, with one exception, due to federal regulations, all meals must be consumed on-site. Children can take one fruit or grain from their meal off-site to eat later.
Do children need to be present? Yes, due to changes at the federal level, parents and guardians can no longer pick up meals on behalf of their kids and meals must be consumed onsite.
Can adults eat free summer meals? Meals are intended for kids and teens. However, adults are welcome to purchase a meal for a small fee. Please bring exact change, as the site staff does not carry change.
What kind of meal is served? The meals served are healthy and follow USDA nutrition guidelines.
Breakfast will include:
- 1 serving of grain
- 1 serving of fruit or juice
- 1 serving milk
Lunches are box lunches with a hot entree offered on most days. Lunch will include:
- 1 serving of grain
- 1 serving of protein
- Protein may include yogurt, cheese sticks, and other protein sources.
- 1 serving of fruit
- 1 serving vegetable
- 1 serving milk
Menus are available to view online and are subject to change.
Who funds free summer meals? Summer meals programs are federally funded by the USDA through the Summer Food Service Program.
New this summer: One site can offer a limited number of to-go meals each week to those who register in advance. For free meals at all other locations, children must be present to receive them, and all meals must be consumed on-site.
Locations for FREE Meals for Kids Wichita
To find which locations are serving the free summer meals for kids, visit the Nutrition Services page at the USD 259 website.
Various schools and neighborhood centers will be used to serve free meals to kids. Each will independently set the times breakfast and lunch are served.
Related:
