Free summer meals program will serve food at 47 sites

Oakland's free summer meals program will continue at 47 locations from May 27 to August 8, providing meals to children and adults with disabilities. Initially set to end due to funding challenges, the program secured support from local organizations, including the East Bay Community Foundation and the Alameda County Food Bank. Last summer, the initiative served over 100,000 meals, and officials expect to provide around 950 meals daily at city-run sites this year. Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins highlighted the collaborative effort to combat child hunger, stating that public and private partnerships are essential. The program has operated for four decades, addressing the nutritional needs of food-insecure families during the summer break.

Oakland Unified also offers breakfast and lunch to summer school students, further supporting local children. The estimated cost for the city-run sites is $426,000, while community-based sites will incur an additional $375,000. Families can use California's Meals for Kids mobile app to find free meal locations in Oakland and beyond.