Summer Meals
Meals will be available starting Tuesday, June 20 at schools across the city through the District’s LunchStop program. This program runs Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. between June 20 and August 9. Children up to the age of 18 can receive meals through the LunchStop program even if they are not enrolled in CPS.
Additionally, all students enrolled in summer school programming at a CPS school will receive breakfast and lunch as part of their program. These schools are also available to provide meals to students who are not participating in the school’s summer programming, but these meals must be eaten inside the school. As a reminder, these programs begin on Monday, June 26.
To find your nearest meal site, please use the interactive map on the CPS website. LunchStop sites are colored red, and summer programming sites are colored blue.
Families can also call (800) 359-2163 or text ‘FOOD’ or ‘COMIDA’ to 304-304 to find nearby CPS summer meal sites, along with operating days and times.
Summer Programs
It’s not too late to explore the District’s summer programs, which begin on Monday, June 26. Details and registration information for all of these programs can be conveniently found in one place at cps.edu/summerprograms. This website will be updated as details are finalized, so please check it regularly.
Focus on Literacy
Both CPS and Chicago Public Library (CPL) will have a variety of programs and other opportunities this summer to help students build their literacy skills.
- CPS-run summer literacy programs will provide students with extra academic and social and emotional support to help them start the next school year strong. Registration is still open and can be found at cps.edu/summerprograms.
- CPL is launching Summer at Chicago Public Library, a 150th anniversary-themed summer program that includes events and activities for families. A full list of events can be found here. These events include “birthday parties” with special performers and free activities that will take place at every CPL branch on Saturday, June 10.
- Students are also encouraged to join The 81 Club to help them access CPL resources over the summer.
COVID-19 Safety
Keeping our students and staff safe during the summer is one of our top priorities. While PCR testing will not be offered at our summer programs, all school sites will have rapid COVID-19 tests available for students and staff members. The Chicago Public Library will also be offering rapid COVID-19 tests at each of its branches this summer.
Medicaid
Because the federal government has now ended the COVID-19 public health emergency, families who receive Medicaid benefits will need to renew them.
The State of Illinois has begun mailing out renewal forms. If your family currently receives Medicaid benefits, we strongly encourage you to make sure your contact information in the state’s database is up-to-date so you can receive your renewal form.
Here are the steps you need to take:
- Visit abe.illinois.gov.
- Click “Manage My Case” to log in to your account.
- Verify and update your mailing address under “Contact Us.”
You can use the Report Medicaid Change of Address Form to quickly update your address.
Updating your address will ensure that you receive your renewal information on time. After that, watch your mail for your renewal form and complete the form within 30 days. If you don’t remember your login and password, or if you are currently not receiving Medicaid benefits and think you are eligible, call the Healthy CPS Hotline at 773-553-KIDS (5437) or fill out an assistance request form and a coordinator from the CPS Office of Student Health and Wellness will be happy to assist you.