Schoolkids can get free, healthy meals in 52 locations this summer through a countywide effort addressing the hunger epidemic. All kids 18 and under are eligible, and adults are welcome to a plate for only $4 at some sites. No paperwork, no hassle, and music is frequently included, too!
Many sites around the county are open for an hour Monday through Friday to serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, or afternoon snacks. An array of carefully crafted food is served — recent menu items have included delicious chicken chipotle wraps with a side of mandarin orange-cabbage slaw and tortilla chips, turkey pasta salads, and roast turkey subs.
The summer food is offered to alleviate parents' worry when free and reduced-price school lunch programs end — programs that serve roughly 34,000 children in the county, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara reports on its website. The community’s summer efforts are meant to address this need and help kids experience care-free relaxation instead of June gloom.