Healthy food on a cutting board. Image via Pixabay from Pexels
San Diego children and families experiencing food insecurity will have more meal options over the summer thanks to a collaborative effort announced Friday between the San Diego Unified School District and local community sites, including libraries and recreation centers.
Schools, YMCAs, military installations, public libraries, parks and recreation centers and other community organizations provide free breakfasts and lunches to children and teens, along with nutrition education resources, reading activities and food stipends to help families buy groceries.
“When school is out for the summer, many children are without the healthy meals they rely on during the school year,” Alicia Pitrone Hauser, SDUSD director of food and nutrition services, said in a statement.
“Summer meals ensure children get consistent nutrition they need to learn, play and grow so they’re better prepared for the next school year.”
“Public libraries are the backbone of their communities, and the San Diego Public Library is proud to work with our partners to provide these much-needed food resources to our community,” said San Diego Public Library Director Misty Jones.
“SDPL meal locations will host free programs, activities, storytimes and shows during lunchtime to nourish children’s minds and bodies and provide important information for parents and guardians.”
The program begins Monday, June 10, and will run through Aug. 2. All children are eligible, not just SDUSD students, and there are no registration requirements or forms to fill out to be eligible to receive meals.
The San Diego School Pantry Program will also provide fresh produce and pantry items at dozens of locations in partnership with school districts, recreation centers and libraries across the county, according to the organization.
“For food-insecure families, summer is the hungriest time of year,” said Bob Kamensky, CEO of Feeding San Diego. “Our summer meal program aims to get nutritious food into the communities that need it most.”
A complete list of summer meal locations and times can be found here , and information about food distributions hosted by Feeding San Diego can be found here .
Additionally, a new state program will help families buy food over the summer holidays. Families will receive $40 per month per eligible child under the SUN Bucks program to put toward grocery purchases in June, July and August. The funds will be mailed to families’ homes on a card that can be used like a debit card to buy healthy foods at grocery stores, farmers’ markets and other places that accept CalFresh EBT benefits.
The Summer Meals Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and run by school districts and local organizations.
City News Service contributed to this report.
