Oregon Families Can Find Free Summer Meals at 450 Sites and Get $120 Per Child for Groceries

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) have launched initiatives that make free summer meals available at more than 450 sites statewide, and eligible families can receive $120 per child through Summer EBT.

Accessing Free Meals In Oregon This Summer

Once school is out, the grocery budget gap widens for thousands of Oregon households. To address summer food insecurity, two of Oregon’s state departments are deploying a two-pronged safety net: free community meal sites and direct Summer EBT grocery benefits.

• The Summer Food Service Program is operating across more than 450 statewide locations, including local parks, libraries, and schools. These sites provide free, nutritious meals to any child or teenager 18 or younger, no registration or paperwork required.

Many locations pair these meals with free enrichment activities to keep kids engaged. Families can find their closest option by texting or calling 2-1-1, or using the online Summer Meals Site Finder.

• The state is issuing a one-time $120 Summer EBT benefit per eligible child to help stretch grocery budgets. For most families already enrolled in SNAP, TANF, income-qualified Medicaid, or foster care services during the 2025–26 school year, this benefit will be automatically applied to their current Oregon EBT card.

Families who qualify based on income but aren’t enrolled in these programs can apply manually at sebt.oregon.gov. Just be aware that the clock is ticking. Once received, these funds expire 122 days after issuance.