Lori Halstead from Oswego County Opportunities Inc. has an urgent reminder as school doors close for summer: hunger doesn't take a vacation. This month, her organization is launching its Summer Food Service Program across Oswego County, offering free, no-questions-asked meals to every child 18 and under—whether they're splashing at the pool, attending camp, or simply at home.
For families who rely on school meals to keep their children fed during the academic year, summer break can mean a sudden shift into food insecurity. This gap is exactly what the federal Summer Food Service Program, run through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was designed to close. Oswego County Opportunities has been running the program for 15 years, serving as a lifeline for families across the region during the three-month stretch when school cafeterias sit empty.
The 2024 program spans eight public sites and four enrolled summer programs, all offering free meals with no income requirements or documentation needed. Breakfast and lunch are available at locations like the Fulton War Memorial, running from July 6th through August 28th, where children can eat between 8:30 and 10 a.m. for breakfast and noon to 2 p.m. for lunch. The Anthony J. Crisafulli Ice Rink in Oswego offers earlier breakfast service at 8 a.m., while Goettel Community Park in Central Square serves snacks and lunch on weekdays through July 31st. Several sites remain open through mid-to-late August, including Taft Bay Park in Bernhards Bay (open Monday through Thursday) and the Oswego YMCA Youth Center, which operates through August 28th. Enrolled summer programs like Camp Zerbe, the Fulton YMCA, and Camp Foundations also participate, ensuring that children already in structured programs don't miss a meal.
All meals are served onsite, where children can enjoy activities and recreation—turning mealtime into part of a broader summer experience rather than a simple transaction. Families simply place orders the day before attending, and all sites will be closed on Friday, July 4th.
The impact of Oswego County Opportunities' commitment is staggering: over the past 15 years, the organization has served more than 244,000 meals to children across the county. Those numbers reflect real families—children who might otherwise go without the consistent nutrition they need to grow, learn, and play during summer months.
This year carries special significance, as Oswego County Opportunities celebrates its 60th anniversary. The organization now serves over 15,000 people annually through more than 50 programs addressing homelessness, education, domestic violence support, youth services, crisis intervention, transportation, reproductive health, elderly nutrition, and disability support. The Summer Food Service Program is just one thread in a larger tapestry of community care.
As summer approaches and families make plans for their break from school routines, Halstead's message is clear: your child doesn't need to go hungry. All that's required is showing up at one of the designated sites. In a season meant for play and relaxation, no family should struggle to put food on the table.