Food For Thought Kane County - Free Summer Meals for Kids
Even in a community known for opportunity, hunger affects an estimated 64,000 Kane County residents at any given time. Throughout July, Kane County Connects is spotlighting the work of the Northern Illinois Food Bank and its partners as they fight hunger and expand access to nutritious food across Kane County.
When schools close for summer break, thousands of children lose access to the free and reduced-price breakfasts and lunches they depend on during the school year. To help fill that gap, the Northern Illinois Food Bank and its network of community partners across 13 counties have launched the Summer Meals Program and Family Fresh Mart, providing free meals and fresh produce to children and families throughout the summer.
"Summer is one of our busiest time," said Kendra Rees, Child Nutrition Program Manager for Northern Illinois Food Bank. "Kids are no longer in school receiving breakfast or lunch, so families have to provide those meals. Transportation and other barriers can also make it difficult for children to access nutritious food."
During the school year, the Food Bank partners with organizations that provide after-school meals. In the summer, that support shifts to community meal sites.
Last summer, Northern Illinois Food Bank's Summer Meals Program served approximately 7,000 meals each day to children across northern Illinois. This year, the organization expects demand to increase as summer breaks begin earlier, grocery and fuel prices remain high, and reductions in SNAP benefits place additional strain on family budgets.
"Families face a lot of extra expenses during the summer," Rees said. "That includes childcare and the added cost of feeding children three meals a day instead of relying on school meals."
Some children receive free meals through summer camps or registered program where kids are enrolled, while others can visit open meal sites, typically located at parks and libraries, where volunteers have a cooler full of boxed meals for either breakfast, lunch and/or snacks.
No registration or identification is required at open sites. The only requirement is that meals be eaten on site and are available to any child 18 and younger.
Rees says one of the biggest misconceptions is that families may think they don't qualify or believe someone else needs the meals more.
"Everyone is welcome, and we want people to come," she said. "Food insecurity doesn't know ZIP codes. It's everywhere."
To find a Summer Meals site in Kane County near you, visit SolveHungerToday.org or click here.
Family Fresh Mart
The Food Bank is also expanding its Family Fresh Mart program, a privately funded initiative that provides families with fresh produce to take home.
This summer, fresh produce will be distributed weekly at six locations across northern Illinois, including:
Thursday
- St. Francis Park, 277 Jefferson Ave., Elgin
- 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Friday
- Santori Library Parking Lot, 101 S. River St., Aurora
- 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Both locations are open to the public.
Summer EBT Benefits
Families may also qualify for Summer EBT, which provides eligible children with $120 in grocery benefits during the summer months when school meals are unavailable.
Most eligible children are automatically enrolled, but some families must complete an application. Applications are available through the Illinois ABE Access Portal. The deadline to apply for 2026 Summer EBT benefits is Aug. 14, 2026.
For assistance with summer EBT applications, contact Northern Illinois Food Bank's SNAP team at 844-600-7627.
The Illinois Department of Human Services also lists certified farmers' markets and farm stands that accept the LINK card. Through the Link Match program, every SNAP dollar spent at participating farmers markets is matched, allowing families to purchase even more fresh fruits and vegetables.
ABOUT NORTHERN ILLINOIS FOOD BANK
For over 40 years, Northern Illinois Food Bank has been dedicated to solving hunger and empowering neighbors. Our vision at Northern Illinois Food Bank is for everyone in Northern Illinois to have the food they need to thrive. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and proud member of Feeding America, we serve our neighbors in 13 counties with dignity, equity and convenience, providing 320,000 meals a day. We bring together manufacturers, local and corporate grocers, area farmers, corporations, foundations, and individuals who donate food and funding, and each week nearly 1,000 volunteers help us evaluate, repack, and distribute food. We also proudly partner with more than 900 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and youth and senior feeding programs to provide nutritious food and resources. Our distribution centers are located in Geneva, Lake Forest, Rockford and Joliet. Find out how you can get help, volunteer, donate or get involved at SolveHungerToday.org, or follow us on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn.
