CHA Ending Free Summer Meal Program This Week

The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) will end its free summer meal program this Friday, having provided meals at 25 sites in Chicago's South and West sides since mid-June. The initiative partnered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to support families during the summer when school lunches are unavailable. Breakfast and lunch were served Monday through Friday on a first-come, first-served basis, with each site averaging 25 kids per meal. Some locations even fed up to 50 children per meal, demonstrating the program's impact on local communities. The CHA confirmed the program will return next summer, showing its ongoing commitment to addressing food insecurity.

This year, the program played a vital role in helping families maintain meal access. The new school year for Chicago Public Schools starts on August 18, ensuring continued support with free meals for all students. Such initiatives are essential for combating hunger and supporting community well-being during summer breaks.