By Isiah Christie
The Summer Nutrition Program, affectionately abbreviated as SuNup, is offering free lunches to Newark’s children for the remainder of the summer at Newark Public Library and its branches. At the Public Library’s main location, lunches are available between Mondays and Fridays. At its branches, lunches are available between Tuesdays and Fridays. The universal time of availability is from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M and it is offered to children ages eighteen or younger. The program also encourages and welcomes visitors in need.
This initiative is done as part of SuNup’s annual goals, which involve feeding the children of a city that is unfortunately prone to economic disparity and difficulty in attaining resources, especially for financially delicate households. The program is done in collaboration with local non-profits to provide breakfasts and lunches, with the latter being the focal point of this summer’s offerings. It began in 1976 as part of the National School Lunch Program and expanded into a city-wide initiative that has become a staple of Newark. It is just one of many programs echoing New Jersey’s active focus on providing to its youth, with over 550,000 children receiving state food benefits as of 2024.
Those visiting for lunches should know that availability of meals is on a first-come, first-served basis, and no registration is required. Lunches must also be consumed on the library site, and are prohibited from being taken out “to go”.
A price-based alternative is also present for youth summer feeding – the state of New Jersey is providing $120 per eligible child to buy food for their children through their Summer EBT program. This approach, as opposed to the free in-person lunches at Newark Public Library, does require an application and is targeted at low-income families.
Any household looking for assistance in providing for their children is highly encouraged by the state of New Jersey to participate in these programs. It’s a great way to mirror the availability and convenience of the school year’s free food, as no parent should feel incapable of feeding their child.
