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.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Illinois District Boosts Security at High-School Stadium

    Richmond-Burton Community High School in Richmond, Ill., recently announced that it has completed the redesigned entrance to its high school stadium with a new focus on school security and community engagement, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects and Engineers on the project as part of District #157’s year-long facilities master plan.

  • Utah Valley University Opens New Engineering Building

    Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, recently held a grand-opening ceremony for the new Scott M. Smith Engineering Building, according to a news release. The facility is one of the largest engineering buildings in the state at almost 200,000 square feet, and it plays home to the university’s Smith College of Engineering and Technology (SCET).

  • Houston K–12 District Opens New Elementary School

    The Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (Lamar CISD) recently announced the completion of a new elementary school in a western suburb of Houston, Texas, according to a news release. Haygood Elementary School measures in at 110,000 square feet, has the capacity for 854 students, and is the first of three new schools scheduled to be built in the Cross Creek West community.

  • Harvard Announces Replacement Facility for Native American Program

    Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., recently announced that construction will begin this spring on a new home for its Native American Program, according to university news. The 6,500-square-foot, all-electric building will stand three stories and serve as the central hub for the Harvard University Native American Program (HUNAP).