Summer break is just around the corner for millions of California school children.
While children can’t wait, thousands of parents have highlighted the loss of free school meals, especially with soaring food prices.
“We don’t have that luxury right now,” said Brenda Telles, mother of twin third-graders who lives in Chula Vista. “I can’t do it, but I’m trying my best because they need me.”
Mr. Tellez and thousands of other families across San Diego County and the state are currently receiving assistance. The San Diego Hunger Coalition announced its new SUN Bucks program Friday. The permanent summer program would give eligible families $120 per child during school holidays. The Hunger Coalition said it operates similarly to CalFresh, but only during the summer.
“This is impacting a lot of families,” said Josh Koehler, director of community schools for the Chula Vista Elementary School District.
Kohler estimated that half of the district’s children could go hungry this summer.
“It’s not so much about the haves and the have-nots, it’s a universal work that unfortunately feels that way,” Kohler said.
The SUN Bucks program begins next month. The state estimates it will help about 5 million children this summer.
“It’s a huge help and I appreciate it,” Telles told NBC 7.
