As summer approaches, families in Los Angeles face the challenge of keeping their children nourished without access to school meals.
To alleviate this concern, several free summer meal programs are operating across the city, ensuring that children and teens aged 18 and under have access to healthy, nutritious food.
Importantly, these meals come with no sign-up or paperwork required; families can simply visit their nearest location to enjoy a free meal within a welcoming, kid-friendly environment.
One of the largest initiatives is organized by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks.
From June 13 to August 2, 2025, local parks will serve free lunches to children and teens.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these meals are provided on a first-come, first-served basis during lunch hours from Monday through Friday, with the caveat that all meals must be eaten on-site.
For those interested in finding a nearby park participating in the program, the L.A. City Parks website provides a comprehensive list, or individuals can contact the office directly at 818-346-2700 or text “Summer Meals” to 97779 for more information.
In addition to the city parks, select Los Angeles County Library locations are offering free lunches to children and teens starting June 16 and continuing through August 8, 2025.
Meals will be served from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or Tuesday through Friday, depending on the site.
As with the park meals, this initiative operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and all meals are to be consumed on-site.
To locate participating library sites, families can refer to the summer schedule available on the Los Angeles County Libraries website.
Los Angeles County Parks are also joining the effort, providing nutritious lunches and snacks at 48 locations from June 17 to August 9, 2025.
These meals include healthy items such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, and dairy products like string cheese, yogurt, and milk.
Again, meals must be eaten on-site, and families can find the nearest participating park by checking the summer schedule online.
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is yet another vital resource this summer.
From June 17 to July 25, 2025, LAUSD will offer free breakfast and lunch to youth aged 1 to 18 at local schools and community sites.
As always, meals must be consumed on-site, and families are encouraged to consult the LAUSD directory for a list of participating locations.
Lastly, the L.A. Regional Food Bank is extending its outreach by providing free breakfast and lunch for children at 19 locations throughout Los Angeles from June 9 to August 15, 2025.
Locations and meal times may vary, so it’s advisable for families to check the food bank’s schedule for specific details.
In summary, these free summer meal programs provide essential nutritional support to families in Los Angeles during the school break.
By ensuring that children have access to healthy meals, these initiatives aim to help families stay nourished and supported throughout the summer months.
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