Although school is out for summer, children and teens in the Coachella Valley can still receive free meals. Kids 18 years old and younger can get free breakfast, lunch, and snacks at various locations across the region. These include schools, libraries, and community centers. School enrollment is not required to participate.
Families may also qualify for extra food assistance. Programs such as CalFresh and California’s SUN Bucks can help. SUN Bucks offers up to $120 in summer grocery benefits per child.
Free Meals from Coachella Valley Unified School District
Starting Thursday, June 12, the Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) will serve free breakfast and lunch at several summer school campuses. All children are welcome. Those not enrolled in the schools must check in at the front office.
In addition to school sites, CVUSD will offer grab-and-go meals at select mobile home parks. There, children or their parents can pick up lunch and the next day’s breakfast at the same time.
Participating CVUSD Schools:
Bobby Duke Middle School
Location: 85-358 Bagdad Ave., Coachella
Dates: June 12 to July 11 (closed June 19, July 4, and weekends)
Meal times: Breakfast from 7:45 to 8:15 a.m.; Lunch from 11 a.m. to noon
Coachella Valley High School
Location: 83-800 Airport Blvd., Thermal
Dates: June 12 to July 11 (closed June 19, July 4, and weekends)
Meal times: Breakfast from 7:45 to 8:15 a.m.; Lunch from 11 a.m. to noon
Coral Mountain Academy School
Location: 51-375 Van Buren St., Coachella
Dates: June 12 to July 11 (closed June 19, July 4, and weekends)
Meal times: Breakfast from 7:45 to 8:15 a.m.; Lunch from 11 a.m. to noon
FIND Food Bank Offers Snacks and Groceries
FIND Food Bank is also helping kids this summer through its Kids Summer Market program. From June 1 through September 30, the nonprofit will distribute healthy snacks and groceries at several locations across the Coachella Valley. The program runs for 17 weeks and helps replace meals that children normally receive at school.