School District Participating in Summer Food Service Program to Feed Hungry Students

West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) is working to make sure that no child in West Contra Costa County goes hungry when schools are closed this summer.

Over 16,500 children in West Contra Costa County receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year, but many of these children do not get enough to eat when school is out.

The WCCUSD Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which starts on Monday, June 9, ensures that low-income children continue to grow and learn during the summer.  

The Summer Food Service Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is the largest federal resource available for local programs that combine mealtime with recreational and educational activities.  

Click here for a full list of times and locations of free meals for students.

Barbara Jellison, Director of Food Services recognizes the need for the program in West Contra Costa County.

“Many of our children, who rely on school breakfast and lunch during the school year, do not have the energy they need during the summer. That’s where we come in, by providing nutritious meals and activities to keep kids nourished and engaged. Kids who get enough to eat and have safe activities to participate in during the summer are less likely to get into trouble. Our summer meals program is a building block in the community for healthy, happy kids who are ready to learn.”

Nutrition education will be provided to students by the Contra Costa Food Bank and the Contra Costa Health Services.  Summer programs are located at approved sites that are either in low-income areas or serve a group of children, most of whom are low-income.

Hosts of the summer program for this year include faith based organizations, non-profit organizations, schools and local government agencies. 

—Information submitted by West Contra Costa Unified School District