Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County offer free meals to kids and teens after school

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County’s Nutrition Program is offering free meals for kids and teens after school.

Children and teens ages 18 and younger can continue to eat healthy meals, including supper and a snack, after school at no cost.

Children do not have to be classified as economically disadvantaged to participate; there is no paperwork to complete.

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According to a release, the free meals program is intended to help bridge the gap for children who are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity after school.

The release said, “According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, millions of children nationwide rely on free or reduced-price school meals during the day. However, when the school day ends, many students go home to empty refrigerators or parents still at work. After-school meal programs provide a reliable, healthy meal that supports working families, reduces food insecurity, and helps youth stay engaged in safe, structured activities during critical after-school hours.”

The Club also offers opportunities such as reading and recreational activities.

“We call them enrichment activities,” said Chelsea Dow, Nutrition Coordinator at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County. “They support our goal of helping kids eat well, stay active, and live healthy lives in a fun, engaging way.”

Meals will be served Monday to Friday (except holidays) at the sites listed below:

Armstrong Youth Center
801 Niles Street Bakersfield, CA 93305
Supper (3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Snack (5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

David Head Center
10300 San Diego Street Lamont, CA 93241
Supper (2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.)

Lamont Club
8301 Segrue Road Lamont, CA 93241
Snack (2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.)\
Supper (4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

Riverview Southern Baptist Church
410 Beardsley Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93308
Supper (2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.)

Stockdale Club
5207 Young Street, Ste. 200 Bakersfield, CA 93311
Supper (3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Snack (5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

Wasco PAL
1276 Birch Avenue Wasco, CA 93280
Supper (3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.)