City of Oakland Continues Summer Food Program

The City of Oakland has partnered with East Bay Community Foundation, Eat. Learn. Play. , and Alameda County Community Food Bank to support the Summer Food Service Program, running from May 27 to August 8. This program addresses the meal gap for approximately 33,000 children who rely on school meals during the academic year.

The initiative will provide free lunches at over 47 sites, including city facilities and community organizations, ensuring access for children aged 18 and under. The city will distribute around 950 meals daily at 26 city-run sites, with a total projected cost of $426,870. A further collaboration aims to supply approximately 1,200 meals daily at 21 additional community-based sites, costing up to $375,000. Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins highlighted the significance of partnerships in preventing summer hunger. This initiative is crucial for families facing food insecurity, especially when school is not in session.

As Allison Pratt from the Alameda County Community Food Bank noted, summer meal programs are vital for nourishing children when school meals are unavailable.