KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Families in the Keene area will have access to free weekly meal kits for children this summer through a program offered by the New Hampshire Food Bank and New Hampshire Catholic Charities.

The summer distribution program will take place every Friday from July 10 through Aug. 7 at Keene Middle School, 167 Maple Ave. Meal kits can be picked up through a drive-through distribution line between 1 and 4 p.m.

Each kit contains enough food to provide seven days of breakfasts and lunches for one child and includes a variety of fresh and ready-to-eat items such as produce, bread, cereal, cheese and other nutritious foods. The program is available free of charge to all children and teens ages 18 and younger.

Organizers are encouraging families to register in advance through the 2026 Keene Meal Kit Sign-Up Form. While registration helps organizers estimate demand, meal kits will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Federal guidelines require families to verify the number of children in their household the first time they participate. Parents may either bring their children to a pickup event or provide documentation such as a student ID, report card, school enrollment letter, attendance record or health insurance card.

Under USDA regulations, only parents, guardians or caregivers age 18 and older may pick up meals for children under age 16. Teens ages 16 to 18 may pick up meal kits for themselves but not for younger siblings.

The program is part of the Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids, a federally funded initiative designed to help ensure children continue to have access to healthy meals while school is not in session.