Throughout the summer, the NYC Department of Education is offering free summer meals for students ages 18 and under. NYC will serve breakfast and lunch at various schools, community pools, parks, and food trucks.
The three closest summer meal locations to Townsend Harris High School are at Pomonok Library, Queensboro Hill Library, and I.S 250. Students can use the meal location search on the DOE website to find locations nearer to their homes.
A food truck operates every day of the summer in Queens at Baisley Pond Park. It opens at 10AM every morning and closes in the afternoon. The truck has regular options like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cheese sandwiches, or hummus, along with a different sandwich or wrap option that changes each day.
Though school lunch doesn’t have the greatest reputation, many students do have favorite school menu items from the various schools they’ve been in. Incoming freshman Rebecca Castrillon said icees at her school were her favorite because they “bring back memories.” Incoming freshman Mirabelle Miketa-Garcia said that the cold cheese sandwiches were enjoyable. Those with a craving for specific menu items from their past school lunch experiences can see what’s available through the DOE’s menu page. Menu items like mozzarella sticks, pizza, and chicken tenders are available throughout the summer.
Many students told The Classic they had not heard about the DOE’s free meals for the summer, but they said they approved of the program and might consider trying it out. All menus feature options that are suitable for the various dietary needs of NYC students, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, and kosher meals.
Summer meals are available until September 1.
