Students can expect various meal options depending on the location. School sites equipped with kitchens prepare hot meals such as pizza, tacos and hot dogs. Community sites without kitchens receive meals like salads, sandwiches and wraps made at the Central Kitchen and delivered daily.
To receive a meal at a school site, children should check in at the front office, where staff will direct them to the meal service location. All meals have to be eaten at the schools’ sites.
“During the school year our families rely on free breakfasts and lunches, which supports improved attendance, improved classroom behavior, and improved academic performance,” said Diana Flores, the executive director of nutrition services and central kitchen and distribution services at Sac Unified.
California became the first state to provide universal free school meals to all public school students, but those benefits end during summer break. During the academic year, the state’s universal school meals program ensures students have access to free breakfast and lunch every school day.
“All children are welcome,” Flores said. “If a parent or guardian is watching a group of kids this summer, bring them all and save time and money and you don’t have to do the dishes.”