County libraries are offering more than just books this summer; they’re providing food to isolated communities while promoting other library services and amenities.
Schools out for summer has a whole different meaning for kids who rely on school meals to get through the week. Without school lunches, many students often suffer in the summer, having to rely on alternative food sources. The
San Diego County library system
is combating this with 25 different food programs across 16 different locations.
Feeding San Diego
provides the food to the County libraries. The program, which was established in 2007 and provides more than 29 million meals every year around the county, works with a variety of people with food needs, from children, families and college students to veterans or people facing homelessness.
In addition to the summer food programs, some libraries offer year-round food pantries or additional food services for seniors and other communities.
The libraries aren’t just filling a food shortage; they’re also providing different programs, books and other supplies during the food programs. These additional services promote the libraries and all they have to offer, and encourage those dependent on the summer meals to make the most of the library system.
“By offering meals and food resources alongside our summer programs, we’re able to support families not only through learning opportunities but also by helping meet essential needs —especially in high-need or isolated areas where access to food can be limited during the summer months,” County Library Director Migell Acost said in
a release
.
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State library grants provide the funding for the books and library programs. Federal grants fund the summer meals. Further, Feeding San Diego partners with local charities, schools and more — the libraries aren’t the only ones.
The library said it’s seen overwhelming positive support for the program.
“Our sites and meal services have expanded over the last three years, serving more children and families than ever,” said Library Youth Services Manager Jodi dela Pena.
The meal program is just one of the many programs offered by libraries around the county. Summer reading programs, cultural events and other classes are offered across the different library branches.
