Find free summer meals at San Diego schools
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
As the school year ends, low-income families can still get free meals and groceries for their kids at schools, libraries and community centers countywide.
Why it matters: More than 100,000 kids in San Diego County experience food insecurity, which worsens in the summer when they lose access to free breakfast and lunches at school.
Driving the news: Starting this month, Feeding San Diego set up dozens of distribution sites where families can pick up a week's worth of prepared meals for each child, which includes five breakfasts and five lunches.
- Several food pantries at schools and libraries will also provide free groceries throughout the summer.
- Check the full list of summer meal sites for specific dates, times and locations.
Between the lines: Nearly 50% of students in San Diego County rely on free or reduced-price meals, according to Feeding San Diego, and these programs aim to keep those kids fed during summer months.
Zoom in: San Diego Unified School District is also partnering with the city to offer free breakfast and lunch to children and teens on weekdays, June 10-Aug. 2.
- Check the list of schools, libraries and recreation centers for more details.
The latest: New this year, parents can also get $40 per month in California SUN Bucks, a statewide Summer-EBT program that works like CalFresh.
- Children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals are automatically enrolled.
The big picture: Feeding San Diego, Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and other local organizations host summer food drives and distribute free meals and groceries throughout the city and county.
- People looking to help can donate, drop off food or volunteer.
- Plus: A new federal program helps the food bank buy more fresh produce from local farmers, which cuts costs, stabilizes businesses and offers nutritious options for struggling families.