The Summer Food Service Program provides free meals to children in low-income neighborhoods across Erie and Crawford counties during the week.

The program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is designed to ensure that children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals during the academic year have access to nutritious food during the summer.

The Summer Food Service Program is run locally through the Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit. Erie News Now Spoke with the Director of Federal and State Programs Kirk Shimshock. He tells us that last summer, the program served over 45,000 free meals to children in need.

"Breakfast and Lunch times are the only times some of those kiddos get to eat. We are likely the only meal they are going to get," said Shimshock.

Children up to age 18 can receive free breakfast, lunch and snacks. To find a location near you, click here.