For many kids, summer is a break from classes and homework. But for others who rely on school for a free or reduced-price lunch, it can mean a break from a balanced meal.
To fill that void, some San Diego County libraries are offering children free lunches on weekdays while school's out.
County Libraries Serving Summer Lunches
Borrego Springs Library, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from June 16 to Aug. 7 (Tuesdays to Thursdays).
Casa de Oro Library, noon to 1 p.m. from June 22 to Aug. 6.
El Cajon Library, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from June 22 to July 31.
Jacumba Library, noon to 1 p.m. from June 24 to Aug. 21 (Tuesdays to Fridays).
Julian Library, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from June 9 to Aug. 7 (Tuesdays to Fridays). (This location is also serving breakfast 9 to 9:30 a.m. from June 16 to July 17.)
Lincoln Acres Library, noon to 1 p.m. from June 16 to July 24 (Tuesdays to Fridays).
Spring Valley Library, noon to 1 p.m. from June 22 to Aug. 7.
Valley Center Library, noon to 1 p.m. from June 15 to Aug. 14. (This location is also serving a snack 2:30 to 3 p.m. from June 15 to Aug. 14.)
Vista Library, noon to 1 p.m. from June 15 to Aug. 7.
Meals are served Monday to Friday unless otherwise indicated.
Source: San Diego County
Anna Hartman with the San Diego County Library system said kids of all economic backgrounds up to age 18 are welcome, but the program targets libraries in communities where the need is greatest.
“For us, it’s a great opportunity to really connect learning over the summer with our summer reading challenge, where kids can get prizes with providing that balanced nutritious meal," Hartman said as she stood in front of one of the participating libraries, Lincoln Acres. "And it’s a great time for kids just to hang out with their friends."
Registration is not required, but the meals are only served while supplies last, Hartman said. Some branches, including Lincoln Acres in National City, also are not open every day.
Three locations began serving lunches Monday, three will start Tuesday and the rest will kick off next week.
The program began nearly a decade ago at just a few libraries but has expanded to nine branches around the county. This year the Valley Center and Jacumba branches were added to the list. Hartman said San Diego County is one of the few — if not the only — library system in the state to serve free lunches at rural libraries.
"So right now we have lunch in Borrego Springs, Julian, Valley Center and Jacumba, and those are our rural locations," she said.
Hartman said the county works with the California Library Association, the California Summer Meal Coalition, Feeding America San Diego, Heaven's Windows and local school districts to make the program possible.
Some city of San Diego libraries and other community locations also offer free lunches.
