Summer break brings to mind sunny days at the beach and leisurely backyard barbecues. But for some minors, it also means weeks without nutritious food.
In Los Angeles County, about 886,692 students are dependent on school lunches to eat and are eligible for free or reduced-price meals, according to the California Department of Education. That’s 62% of the school population.
Where can I get free meals for my kids and how?
To fill the gap and reduce child hunger while school is out, free lunches and snacks are already available at 47 L.A. County Parks and 15 L.A. County Libraries on weekdays through August 25, along with 23 locations throughout Long Beach and Signal Hill.
Free meals will also be served at more than 20 schools, libraries, and community centers in Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre. Children and teens do not need to be enrolled in Pasadena schools to receive a meal.
The nutritious food includes vegetables, fruit and milk. There are no residency or income restrictions, but meals must be eaten at the location.
“We’ve noticed in past years a large number of families in the Antelope Valley take advantage of the program,” said Kristi Samuelson, youth services special projects coordinator with L.A. County Libraries. She estimates the libraries alone will serve 40,000 meals over the eight week period.
“We’ve also noticed a large number in the Rowland Heights area as well, so that just shows it’s in demand across the county,” she said.
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