When school lets out for summer vacation, what happens to the growing number of children in California who rely on a free/reduced-price school lunch?

Lack of continued access to nutritious food during the summer months can sink children deeper into food insecurity, increase their risk of obesity…and jeopardize their academic future. Summer meal programs present an untapped opportunity for communities to develop a “summer nutrition safety net” by providing kids in need with free, nutritious meals. Summer meal programs also present an opportunity to promote good nutrition and to keep kids active and engaged.

Seeing it in Practice Makes it Possible
We often learn best when we see an idea put into practice. Innovative summer meal programs are popping up throughout California that not only demonstrate what a successful summer meal program looks like, they provide a vision for summer across the state. The Summer Meal Coalition developed the “Strategies for Tough Times” webinar series, providing detailed information and case studies to help school districts and community-based organizations build successful summer meal programs. The “Healthy Activities” webinar series offers summer meal providers practical ideas and examples for integrating fun, engaging activities to help kids stay active and develop year-round healthy habits.

Click here to access the “Strategies for Tough Times” series and past webinars to learn how to start or expand summer meal programs in your community.

Click here to access the “Healthy Activities” series to learn how summer meal program leaders can integrate fun activities that promote nutrition and physical activity.