The free summer meals program in started Friday in Syracuse, and what better way to begin than with a good barbecue?

All summer long, kids can eat free, healthy meals, not just once, but twice a day. 

“I think it’s very nice of them and generous,” said Ryan Hy, an All Saints camper.

The Syracuse City School District (SCSD) offers free breakfast and lunch to all kids 18 years and under, and will host barbecues at different city parks throughout the summer.

Various kids from camps who play at the park, like the All Saints Kids Camp, said they enjoy participating in the free meals program.

“It’s nice to have a healthy lunch. They prepare it for you so you don’t have to worry about balancing everything out. It’s just quick and easy, and always delicious,” said Emily Straub, an All Saints camper.

“It’s a wonderful program, especially because a lot of these kids don’t get healthy meals," said Angela Monty, a prekindergarten teacher at All Saints Elementary School. "They always invite us when we’re at the park to participate in any of the free meals here. It’s great because we know that they’re balanced and healthy.”

The program has 36 different meal sites at various schools, community buildings and parks where kids can pick up their free meals.

“We have an amazing partnership this year with the Food Bank of Central New York, where we’re doing farm stands. So not only do children coming to select locations on select dates get fresh fruits and vegetables and lunch, they’re going to go ahead and leave with that and eat it during the day at home,” said Rachel Murphy, director of food nutrition services at SCSD.

To find a free summer meal distribution site near year, text FOOD to 304-304.