Meal sites are located at schools, parks, or other organizations, and site sponsors – or hosts – are approved by the Iowa Department of Education and offer grab-and-go meals prepared in our Community Kitchen. Anyone up to age 18 can receive a free meal regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. No registration or sign up is required. Children do not need to be present due to new USDA guidance.
Our 2024 Locations
Ashfield Park: 720 E 19th St, Des Moines
Serving June 3rd – August 9th, Monday – Friday
Time: 12pm-2pm
Crivaro Park: 1105 E Railroad Ave, Des Moines
Serving June 3rd – August 9th, Monday – Friday
Time: 12pm-2pm
Union Park: 2009 Saylor Road, Des Moines
Serving June 3rd – August 9th, Monday – Friday
Time: 12pm-2pm
Water Works Park: 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines
Serving June 3rd – August 9th, Monday – Friday
Time: 12pm-2pm
Sponsor a Meal Site
Join Central Iowa Shelter and Services in making a lasting impact on Des Moines’ youth this summer. Our Free Summer Meals Program ensures no child goes hungry during the break. This year, we’re inviting businesses to step up as sponsors for meal sites or kickoff events. Align your brand with a cause that matters—nourishing young minds and bodies. Be a part of a community-driven initiative that not only provides essential nutrition but also fosters a sense of togetherness. Your support can make this summer unforgettable for kids across Des Moines. Let’s create a season of giving, one meal at a time.
Volunteer to Help
Summer Meals is a great opportunity for families and for students (16 years or older) to volunteer to help with our lunch prep and serving at the parks. The time is small and the impact is big! To help, please email us at Volunteer@CentralIowaShelter.org.
Lunch Prep
Check back with us soon to learn how you can help assemble our lunches for students.
Central Iowa Shelter & Services is an equal opportunity provider.
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA:
Mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
Fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442
