Indy Parks, Indiana – With the school year over and summer break in full swing, Indy Parks is once again stepping up to make sure no child in Indianapolis goes hungry. The city’s Summer Servings Meal Program, part of the nationwide Summer Food Service Program, officially kicked off this week and will run through July 25, offering free nutritious meals to children and teens at multiple parks and community locations.
The program is designed to fill the critical gap left when schools close for the summer and students no longer have access to breakfast and lunch through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. Many families in the city depend on those meals during the school year, and Summer Servings makes sure that support continues through the warmer months.
“Every year, Summer Servings provides thousands of children here in Indianapolis with the nutritious meals they all deserve,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “If we want our city’s youth to thrive, we must first ensure that they have what they need to grow and learn in a healthy environment, and that is what Summer Servings is all about.”
Since the initiative launched in 2013, Indy Parks has served more than 3.3 million meals through the program. It’s one of the city’s most impactful and consistent efforts in addressing food insecurity among children.
This year, meals will be distributed Monday through Friday at 11 fixed locations and from five mobile units that travel to apartment complexes, libraries, and other community spots. All children 18 and under are eligible, and no registration is necessary—just show up during the scheduled time and enjoy a healthy meal.
“The Summer Servings program is one of Indy Parks’ essential services that help combat food insecurity in our city,” said Indy Parks Director Phyllis Boyd. “Inspiring healthy living is an important part of our Indy Parks mission, not only through access to physical activity but also by providing healthy food. I encourage folks to go to parks.indy.gov/programs/free-meals-programs for more information.”
This year’s meal sites include parks and community partners across the city:
• BRAVE Music Enterprises – 3969 Meadows Drive, 12 to 1 p.m.
• Broad Ripple Park – 1610 Broad Ripple Ave., 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Christ Missionary Church – 1001 Eugene St., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Christian Park – 4200 E. English Ave., 12 to 2 p.m.
• Ellenberger Park – 5301 E. Saint Clair St., 12 to 12:30 p.m.
• Frederick Douglass Park – 1616 E. 25th St., 12 to 12:45 p.m.
• Garfield Park – 2345 Pagoda Dr., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Krannert Park – 2901 West Mooresville Rd., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Riverside Park – 2420 E. Riverside Dr., 12 to 2 p.m.
• Watkins Park – 2360 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., 3 to 4 p.m.
• Windsor Village Park – 6510 E. 25th St., 12 to 1 p.m.
The five mobile units extend the program’s reach to families who may not live near one of the fixed sites, ensuring even more children have access to meals during the summer.
This effort is just one part of the city’s larger strategy to support health and wellness through its parks system. Alongside free meals, many of the participating parks are also hosting day camps, youth programs, and recreational activities that help keep kids active and engaged.
With millions in future funding expected for food and wellness initiatives, programs like Summer Servings are laying the foundation for healthier, more resilient communities. For many families, they offer more than a meal—they represent peace of mind and the reassurance that someone is looking out for their children.
To find the closest meal site or to see a full schedule, residents are encouraged to visit the Indy Parks website or call their local park center. No ID or proof of income is required—just show up and be ready to eat.
As Mayor Hogsett put it, Summer Servings is about more than just food. It’s about showing young people that their city is invested in their health and future. And for thousands of Indianapolis kids this summer, that message will be served one meal at a time.
