Free Meals Await Kids and Teens This Summer

Children aged 1-18 can visit sites to receive free meals.

Even during summer break, Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) continues serving children in the community. And what better way to make summer more fun than by offering free meals?

This year, APS Food and Nutrition Services partnered with the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County to expand summer meals. The program provides free, nutritious and delicious meals to anyone 18 and under at over 100 sites across the city.

These summer meal programs give children and teens access to healthy food throughout the summer. The meals aim to help them stay active and ready to learn.

The program will serve meals Monday through Friday at various times. It will close meal service on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth and on July 3 for Independence Day.

Families do not need to sign up in advance for the program. Children and teens can simply show up hungry and enjoy a meal.

Rules to Follow

Here are the guidelines to follow for the Summer Food Service Program:

  • Children ages 1–18 must be present to receive a meal. 
  • Staff will serve all meals on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Children must receive the entire meal, including milk.
  • Staff will provide each child with one meal.
  • Staff will not give meals to adults without a child present.
  • Children must eat their meal at the site, and staff will not allow meals to be taken off site.
  • Participants must clean up their area when they finish eating.
  • Participants must respect others around them and have fun!

The program seeks volunteers to facilitate summer meals at park locations across Albuquerque. Interested individuals may visit the Volunteer Opportunity Page to apply. 

Find summer meal sites here

For corrections, news tips, and any other content requests, please send us an email at [email protected].

Hot this week

‘The Final Breakfast’: APS Food and Nutrition Services Hosts Farewell Meals for Graduating Seniors

FANS staff treated over 4,000 seniors to a hearty breakfast to celebrate their success ahead of this spring’s graduation ceremonies.

Tree Deaths Are Accelerating Faster Than Scientists Expected—and Bark Beetles Are Winning

New Mexico's forests are facing growing pressure from drought, rising temperatures and a dramatic increase in bark beetle infestations, according to a new state report. Scientists say climate-driven stress is leaving ponderosa and piñon forests increasingly vulnerable, raising concerns about the long-term health of one of the Southwest's defining landscapes.

What’s In With ‘Operation Cool Down’ as Albuquerque Experience Triple-Digit Heat

Albuquerque's heat now reaches triple-digit temperatures. The City Government has now established 'Operation Cool Down' to ease residents' heat-related problems.

110° in Roswell: New Mexico’s Southeast Swelters Under Scorching Heat, With No Quick Relief in Sight

Southeastern New Mexico sweltered under some of the most intense heat of the season Wednesday, as temperatures in the lower Pecos River Valley approached 110 degrees. While much of the Rio Grande Valley climbed into the low-to-mid 100s, the southeast bore the brunt of the dangerous conditions.

New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame to Induct Five New Members

The New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame will induct five new members during its annual ceremony in Albuquerque, honoring athletes and coaches who have made lasting contributions to sports in the state. The event highlights achievements across multiple sports and generations of New Mexico athletic excellence.

Topics

‘The Final Breakfast’: APS Food and Nutrition Services Hosts Farewell Meals for Graduating Seniors

FANS staff treated over 4,000 seniors to a hearty breakfast to celebrate their success ahead of this spring’s graduation ceremonies.

Tree Deaths Are Accelerating Faster Than Scientists Expected—and Bark Beetles Are Winning

New Mexico's forests are facing growing pressure from drought, rising temperatures and a dramatic increase in bark beetle infestations, according to a new state report. Scientists say climate-driven stress is leaving ponderosa and piñon forests increasingly vulnerable, raising concerns about the long-term health of one of the Southwest's defining landscapes.

What’s In With ‘Operation Cool Down’ as Albuquerque Experience Triple-Digit Heat

Albuquerque's heat now reaches triple-digit temperatures. The City Government has now established 'Operation Cool Down' to ease residents' heat-related problems.

110° in Roswell: New Mexico’s Southeast Swelters Under Scorching Heat, With No Quick Relief in Sight

Southeastern New Mexico sweltered under some of the most intense heat of the season Wednesday, as temperatures in the lower Pecos River Valley approached 110 degrees. While much of the Rio Grande Valley climbed into the low-to-mid 100s, the southeast bore the brunt of the dangerous conditions.

New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame to Induct Five New Members

The New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame will induct five new members during its annual ceremony in Albuquerque, honoring athletes and coaches who have made lasting contributions to sports in the state. The event highlights achievements across multiple sports and generations of New Mexico athletic excellence.

In-N-Out Burger Eyes Third Restaurant in Albuquerque

In-N-Out Burger plans to open a third location in Albuquerque, further expanding its presence ahead of the chain's highly anticipated New Mexico debut. The proposal reflects growing consumer demand and the company's confidence in the Albuquerque market.

NMSU Students Gain Global Perspective on Agriculture during UK Trip

A delegation of NMSU students and support staff discovered what the United Kingdom has to offer in a nine-day trip last month.

Why APS Food and Nutrition Services Is Upskilling Ahead of the New School Year

A 65-member Food and Nutrition Services team attended a conference aimed at improving their skills as the district prepares to offer healthier menu options come School Year 2026-2027.

Related Articles