Schools, agencies and libraries in Contra Costa are providing free meals this summer for children under age 18. Find out where!
A Vital, Yet Underutilized Service
For families who rely on subsidized school lunch for their kids, summer can be pretty stressful. The good news is that many schools and community agencies provide free lunch (and sometimes breakfast!) during the summer to prevent children from going hungry when school’s out. The not so good news is that only about 20 percent of eligible children in California access summer meal programs. Please help get the word out about this vital, yet underutilized service.
About Summer Meals
Summer meals are typically provided for children ages 2 to 18 at schools, libraries, or community-based organizations located in low-income neighborhoods. Nutritious meals are free to all children and there is no application, sign-up, paperwork, or identification needed. Just show up with your kids.
Some of these programs also serve parents thanks to a Y&H Soda Foundation grant allocated to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.
Find Local Programs
Click here for site locations, times and important dates for Antioch, Brentwood, Mt. Diablo (Bay Point, Concord, Pleasant Hill), Oakley, Pittsburg, and West Contra Costa (El Sobrante/ Pinole/ Richmond/ San Pablo).
In addition, libraries in Contra Costa are participating in a growing movement among California libraries to become summer meal sites. The goal is to reach more children by providing fun activities in addition to a healthful meal. Contact these branches for more information about the “Lunch at the Library” program:
You can also call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE or text “FOOD” to 877-877 to find the summer meal sites closest to you.