Where to Find Food Assistance During Summer Break
by Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools | June 11, 2025
Summer break is a great time to relax and recharge, but it also brings changes to routines. For some families, that can include access to meals and groceries.
Our goal is always to support our students and their families—not just during the school year, but all year long. These programs provide free or low-cost food options during the summer months:
USDA SUN Meals Program
The USDA SUN Meals Program offers free meals for anyone 18 years or younger throughout the summer. Families can find dine-in or take-out sites close to home by entering their address on the USDA's website.
Food Bank of Iowa
The Food Bank of Iowa provides an interactive map where families can locate nearby food assistance sites or sign up for ongoing support if needed.
Pantry Locations by County
This list from Health and Human Services breaks down food pantry locations by county. If you have difficulty navigating this spreadsheet, we are more than happy to help any family who needs help locating a nearby pantry.
We understand every family's needs are different. Whether this is helpful for your household or someone close to you, we hope it’s useful information.
If you ever have questions or need support over the summer, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Catholic Schools Office or your child's school.