A new initiative to combat childhood hunger during the summer months has been announced for San Bernardino County, offering free meals to children and teens at various locations throughout the region. The program, which begins in mid-June, aims to ensure that young residents have access to nutritious meals when school is not in session.
The free summer meals are available at multiple sites across the county, including schools, community centers, and parks. No registration or identification is required for children and teens up to 18 years old to receive meals.
The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and meal times vary by location.
Local officials have emphasized the importance of the program in addressing food insecurity, which often spikes during the summer break. 'This is a critical resource for families who rely on school meals during the academic year,' said a representative from the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools.
'We encourage all eligible families to take advantage of these free meals.'
The meals provided are designed to meet federal nutrition guidelines, offering a balanced mix of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains. The program is part of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program, which has been operating for decades to fill the nutritional gap for children during the summer.
Residents can find the nearest meal site by calling the county's information hotline or visiting the official website. The program will run through late August, with some sites offering meals on weekends as well.
Families are advised to check specific site schedules as hours may vary.
The initiative has received support from local nonprofits and community organizations, which are helping to spread the word and ensure that no child goes hungry this summer. 'We are grateful for the collaboration between the county, schools, and community partners to make this possible,' added the county spokesperson.
For more information, residents can contact the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health or visit the county's official website. The program is expected to serve thousands of meals across the county over the coming weeks.