Families in Jefferson County looking to stretch their summer budget have a resource worth knowing about: free breakfast and lunch are available to children 18 and under at multiple sites in Madras, Warm Springs, and throughout the region — and no registration, income verification, or paperwork is required.
The program is run through the USDA's Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which operates every summer to ensure kids who rely on school meals during the academic year don't go hungry when school is out.
Where to Find Free Meals
USDA-funded meal sites are active this summer at locations across Central Oregon, including Madras and Warm Springs, as well as Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Terrebonne, and La Pine.
The easiest way to find the nearest site and confirm hours is to use the USDA's online locator at fns.usda.gov/sfsp/sitefinder, or call 2-1-1 (Oregon's social services helpline) and ask an operator for the nearest location and current hours.
Who Can Participate
Any child age 18 or younger can receive a free meal at any Summer Food Service Program site during operating hours. There are no income limits, no enrollment forms, and no ID required. Children simply need to show up during meal service times.
The meals meet USDA nutrition standards and typically include both a breakfast and a lunch option during the hours the site is open.
Also This Summer: Free STEM Camp at COCC Madras
For families with school-age children, the COCC Madras campus is hosting a free four-day STEM Summer Camp from June 22–25, running 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. The camp is free for Jefferson County and Culver students and includes free transportation, lunch, and a swag bag.
Registration is available at tinyurl.com/5eaf6e9m. Spots may be limited — register soon.
Meals on Wheels and Senior Services
Jefferson County's senior population has its own meal resource through the Jefferson County Senior Center and its partnership with the Council on Aging, which coordinates Meals on Wheels delivery and community dining programs for older adults. For information, contact the Senior Center directly.
These programs represent an important safety net for Jefferson County families — a county where food insecurity rates historically run above the state average. Taking advantage of available resources is smart, practical, and exactly what these programs are designed for.