Food trucks roll out to offer free summer meals for kids

NEW YORK (PIX11) — Three food trucks will serve up free meals across New York City this summer to ensure no kid goes hungry.

The campaign, spearheaded by No Kid Hungry and New York City Public Schools, starts Thursday. Organizers say it aims to serve areas with historically low participation in the program’s physical locations.

Here’s where to find the free food trucks in NYC:

• Prospect Park in Brooklyn
• Sara D. Roosevelt Park in Manhattan
• Ferry Point Park in The Bronx

Parents who want to find physical locations participating in the free summer meals program can use the Free Meal Finder website or text “FOOD” to 304-304. For Spanish language service, “COMIDA” to 304-304.

The No Kid Hungry campaign, run by the non-profit Share Our Strength, has provided free summer meals across New York City since 2010. The campaign offers services annually in thousands of locations, including schools, parks, pools, and libraries.

This year’s expanded campaign comes after a poll by No Kid Hungry found that 78% of New York City households’ food costs are rising faster than their income. Some 70% of respondents indicated it had become harder to afford groceries in the past year.

“We see food insecurity spike every year during these few months, as kids lose access to no-cost school meals,” said New York Program Director Rachel Sabella. “By partnering with the NYC Public Schools on mobile trucks, we are able to reach even more communities and ensure meals are easily accessible.”

NYC Public Schools also has a list of locations offering breakfast and lunch service throughout the five boroughs.

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.