Communities throughout the Bay Area will begin free summer meal programs for children this month, serving meals on weekdays throughout the summer at summer-school and community sites.  All children 18 years old and younger are eligible, regardless of their families’ income.

Families are encouraged to dial 2-1-1 for free meal information in more than 150 languages.   Residents who can’t dial 2-1-1 should call 800-273-6222.

NOTE:  Because of funding cuts, many school districts and community organizations that have previously served summer meals have curtailed or eliminated summer meal service this year.  Families are encouraged to call 2-1-1 to obtain the most up-to-date information about meal locations, serving times and dates.  2-1-1 can also provide referrals to food pantries and other resources if there is no summer-meal program nearby.

Many families whose children are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches during the school year are not aware that they can also get free, nutritious lunches during the summer.    For instance, in recent years, only 30% of eligible children took advantage of free summer meals in San Francisco.

WHERE:
Meals are served at schools and community sites in many Bay Area school districts, including Antioch, Bay Point, Brentwood, Concord, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Pinole, Pittsburg, Richmond, Rodeo, San Francisco, San Pablo, San Rafael, and Vallejo, just to name a few.  Most meal sites are located at or near schools that have 50% or more students eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.