This summer, children and teens across Los Angeles will have access to free, nutritious lunches at over 90 city parks and recreation facilities. The Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks recently announced the return of its Summer Food Service Program, which provides free meals to young people aged 18 and under during the summer months. In this article we talk about Over 90 LA Parks Offering Meals for Children and Teens.
According to NBC Los Angeles, the meals will be served on a first-come, first-served basis at participating locations through August 2nd, Monday to Friday between the hours of 12PM-1PM. No registration, fees or applications are required to receive the free food.
Providing Crucial Summer Nutrition
The timing of this program provides a vital source of nutrition for kids and teens over summer break. With schools closed, many children lose access to the free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches they rely on during the academic year. This program helps fill that nutrition gap.
“Whether you’re in our camp program, or enjoying a summer day with family and friends, we invite all youth and teens to join us for lunch at our parks,” said Jimmy Kim, General Manager of the Department of Recreation and Parks.
The lunches include healthy menu items like fruits, vegetables, milk and sandwiches or salads. The meals must be eaten on-site in order to maintain food safety and cleanliness in the parks.
Accessibility for All LA Students
The Summer Food Service Program is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and aims to reach students in need across the Los Angeles Unified School District. Over 80% of LAUSD students live at or below the poverty line, making programs like this essential for combating food insecurity.
The program also allows participation from persons with disabilities between ages 19-22, as long as they are enrolled in LAUSD special education programs during the regular school year. This accommodation works to provide meals to even more vulnerable youth in the community.
Finding a Summer Food Location
Parents and guardians can locate the nearest participating summer food site by visiting the Department of Recreation and Parks website and clicking on the “Summer Food Program” link. From there, they can input their address and find details on meal times and locations within the LA area.
Not only does it provide reliable nutrition, but it may also offer an opportunity to get kids out to the parks to play and spend time with other children in the area.
Providing summer meals through city parks and rec centers removes barriers for families struggling with food insecurity. Kids can enjoy their break without worry over where their next meal may come from. The City of Los Angeles has demonstrated a strong commitment to child nutrition and wellbeing with this annual summer lunch program across its network of community parks and facilities. I sincerely hope you find this “Over 90 LA Parks Offering Meals for Children and Teens – Here’s Where” article helpful.
Ruby Arora is the lead writer at LosAngelesDailyNews.net, where she brings her extensive expertise in journalism and communications to cover Los Angeles’ vibrant culture and breaking news. Ruby holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and has a track record of delivering insightful and accurate stories. Connect with her on Instagram and YouTube for more updates and behind-the-scenes content.
