Children across Berkeley can receive free lunches and snacks this summer at parks, a community center, a public pool and the city’s Central Library, helping ensure access to healthy meals while school is out.
In a statement Monday, city officials said Berkeley is offering the meals to anyone 18 and younger without requiring registration, proof of income or an application. Children only need to visit a participating location during meal service hours and eat on-site.
The program runs through July 31 at four city-operated locations: Frances Albrier Community Center, Grove Park, Strawberry Creek Park and West Campus Pool. Lunches and snacks are served Monday through Friday, except July 3, by staff from the city’s Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Department.
The Berkeley Public Library is also offering free lunches for children and teens at the Central Library through Aug. 6. Meals are served Tuesday through Thursday, and participants can stay for cooking classes, arts and crafts, games and other activities.
City officials said the summer meal program is designed to help families bridge the gap when school cafeterias are closed and ensure children continue to have access to nutritious food during summer break. The effort is part of California’s Summer Food Service Program, which provides free meals to children and teens at parks, schools, libraries, community centers and other public locations throughout the state.
Meanwhile, the city will also host a free Community Carnival and Picnic at Grove Park on July 1, featuring giant inflatables, an obstacle course, sports activities, carnival games and a petting zoo with animals including goats and bunnies. Children can also enjoy music, a photo booth and a free lunch featuring hot dogs, burgers, vegetarian options and chips. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and city officials encourage families to register online before June 29 to speed up check-in. Children ages 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.