The Storehouse provides free groceries to families once a month and welcome all those in need of food. Often, the numbers of families counting on us increases in the summer. Many low-income children qualify for free breakfast or lunch through the school system, but they are home for more meals during the summer. We usually see an increase of people at the Storehouse to meet this summertime need. We are here to help, but there are also other governmental food programs that can help families and children.
City of Albuquerque Summer Food Program
The City of Albuquerque offers free meal distributions for children ages 1-18 during the summer. In 2023, that program is starting on June 6 in local parks and on June 13 through local community centers. Check the City of Albuquerque website for details on locations and times. Lunches are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, while they last. Details including menus can also be found on the City’s website. Click here for City of Albuquerque Summer Food Program info.
There are a few rules families must follow. The child must be present to receive a meal. Parents cannot pick them up on behalf of the child. They must take the entire meal, including the milk. Each child (aged 1–18) gets one meal to be eaten on site. They cannot be taken off site to eat.
Bernalillo County Summer Food Service
There is also a summer food program through Bernalillo County. In fact, Bernalillo County has served thousands of free and nutritious meals to children in need each summer for over 50 years. That program kicks off May 31, 2023. The county summer lunch locations are outside of the Albuquerque city limits in the South Valley, North Valley, East Mountains, and Paradise Hills. Locations are chosen based on the percentage of children receiving free or reduced school lunches in that area.
Bernalillo County’s Summer Lunch Program is funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant administered by the New Mexico Early Childhood Education & Care Department. Please note that lunch will not be served on June 19 (Juneteenth) and July 4 (Independence Day). Like the City, meals provided are served on a first come, first served basis and must be eaten on site. The County usually hands out lunches from 11:30 am to 1 pm, but some locations serve from noon to 2:00 pm so check your preferred site before going. Breakfasts are also available at certain sites. No registration is required. Visit the County website for details.