San Diego Unified Schools Transform into Meal and Nutrition Hubs for Summer
Schools in the San Diego Unified School District will join local YMCAs, military sites, public libraries, parks & recreation centers, and other neighborhood organizations as meal distribution centers this summer, providing access to healthy food for children and teens in need. The Summer Meal Program runs from June 10 through Aug. 2, offering free breakfast and lunch for anyone ages 18 and under, as well as nutrition education resources, activities, and food benefits to help families purchase groceries.
"When school is out for summer break, a large number of kids lose access to the healthy meals they rely on during the school year," said San Diego Unified Food and Nutrition Services Director Alicia Pitrone Hauser, in a statement. "Summer meals ensure all children have consistent access to the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow — and this makes children be better prepared to start another school year."
"Summer can be the hungriest time of year for families experiencing food insecurity," commented Bob Kamensky, CEO of nonprofit food distribution organization Feeding San Diego. "Our summer meal programs aim to get nutritious food out into the community where it's needed most. We rely on strong partnerships with schools, libraries, and rec centers — all fundamental gathering places for parents across the county — to ensure that parents have access to no-cost groceries and meals."
The Summer Meals Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Children do not need to be San Diego Unified students to participate and there are no registration requirements or paperwork required.
For more information, visit the San Diego Unified site.
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Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at rkelly@1105media.com.