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Leland R. Weaver Library in South Gate, Ca. Courtesy of lacountylibrary.org.
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This summer, the Los Angeles County Library system will be participating in the Lunch at the Library program, providing free lunches to children and teenagers under the age of 18.
The free lunches are available to those in need no matter the level of family income. LA County’s Lunch at the Library goes through August 5 (except for July 4, when libraries will be closed in observance of Independence Day) between the hours of 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.
Meals can be picked up on a first-come, first-served basis. Even though the program is specifically aimed at youth, minors don’t need to necessarily be there to receive the benefits—parents and caregivers are able to pick up a meal on behalf of the minor.
Carrying on an 8-year tradition
“This will be the eighth year in a row that we have offered free meals through this program, ” says Los Angeles County Library Director Skye Patrick. “We realize that families rely on lunch and snack programs to provide free, nutritious meals to their children when they are not in school. We are excited to once again provide this essential service.”
The program offers more than just free summer meals though. In its entirety, reading, exploration and health, wellness, and learning programs for children and teens to engage in outside of the school year is core to its plan.
In addition, adult family members can network with caregivers to community services and resources.
What’s behind ‘Lunch at the Library’
Since the “Lunch at the Library” program is a state-funded collaboration project between the California Library Association and the California State Library, libraries and pop-up sites throughout the state are participating in it.
Among the locations in Los Angeles County are the El Monte Library, the Compton Library, the Buena Park Library District, the Leland R. Weaver Library in South Gate, and the El Modena Branch Library in Orange, among many others.
For more information on the Lunch at the Library program and a full map of participating libraries and locations, go here.
Cervanté Pope can be reached at cpope@heymediagroup.com.
