Summer Meals Programs Brings Nutritious Food to Kids

Summertime brings a break from school, but the need for good nutrition doesn’t take a break. Summer meal sites will be opening in communities throughout the county where kids and teens 18 years and younger can enjoy a free nutritious meal or snack. Last year in San Bernardino County, only 5 percent of those participating in school meals (free and reduced) during the school year also participated in summer meals. The Summer Meals program kicked off Friday, June 12 at the Helping Hands Pantry's Norton Distribution Center and was a collaboration effort with Helping Hands Pantry, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Nutrition Program, County Superintendent of Schools, Child Care Resource Center, the Alliance for Education, and Job Corps. The aim of the kick off was to help increase community awareness of the county-wide summer meals programs that provide nutritional services. There is no paperwork or enrollment required to participate in the program. The Summer Meals program is often located at parks, schools, community centers, libraries and churches. In addition to healthy food, many sites provide summer activities. For more information on summer meal sites, days and times, you can call 211 (toll free) or text ‘FOOD’ to 877-877 in Spanish text ‘COMIDA’ or visit the USDA Food and Nutrition site at http://www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks for maps and contact information for programs near you.