Libraries Offering Free Summer Meals for Kids
The San Diego County Library is teaming up with the Summer Meals Coalition to provide free nutritious meals to children under 18 this summer.
The meals are being offered at several library branch locations from June until August.
“During the school year, many local children rely on discount lunch programs to get proper nutrition and these children then face a gap in nutrition during the summer months,” said Angelica Fortin, library program services manager. “This program ensures that kids and teens have access to a nutritious meal during the summer and welcomes them into the library to participate in other programs.”
No documentation or enrollment is required to participate.
The free lunches are available while supplies last at the following locations and times:
- Borrego Springs Library, 587 Palm Canyon Drive, Tuesday – Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from June 16 to Aug. 7
- Casa de Oro Library, 9805 Campo Rd. #180, Monday – Friday noon to 1 p.m. from June 22 to Aug. 6
- El Cajon Library, 201 E. Douglas, Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from June 22 to July 31
- Jacumba Library, 44605 Old Hwy. 80, Tuesday – Friday, noon to 1 p.m. from June 24 to Aug. 21
- Julian Library, 1850 Highway 78, Tuesday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from June 9 to Aug. 7 (this location is also serving breakfast Tuesday – Friday, 9 to 9:30 a.m. from June 16 to July 17)
- Lincoln Acres Library, 2725 Granger Ave., Tuesday – Friday, noon to 1 p.m. from June 16 to July 24
- Spring Valley Library, 836 Kempton St., Monday – Friday, noon to 1 p.m. from June 22 to Aug. 7
- Valley Center Library, 29200 Cole Grade Rd., Monday – Friday, noon to 1 p.m. from June 15 to Aug. 14 (this location is also serving a snack Monday – Friday, 2:30 to 3 p.m. from June 15 to Aug. 14)
- Vista Library, 700 Eucalyptus Ave., Monday – Friday, noon to 1 p.m. from June 15 to Aug. 7
Community partners involved in providing and funding the free lunches include Feeding America San Diego, California Summer Meal Coalition, Heaven’s Window, Cajon Valley School District, California Library Association, Seamless Summer, Julian School districts, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, San Diego County Parks & Recreation, Spring Valley REC Club and La Mesa-Spring Valley School District.
The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency is also teaming up with the San Diego Public Library, Healthy Works, 2-1-1 San Diego and Champions for Change to provide free summer meals at the Logan Heights Library branch, 567 South 28th St., San Diego, from June 22 to Aug. 28. Parents of children are encouraged to attend and learn computer literacy and nutrition education while their children eat lunch.
For more information the free summer meals project visit the San Diego County Library, California Library Association or the Summer Meal Coalition.
For information on the meals at the Logan Heights city library, please call 619-533-3968.