COVINA, CA – Children throughout the San Gabriel Valley will have access to free, essential nutrition that is critical to their development through the Covina-Valley Unified School District’s Community Summer Meals Program, which runs throughout the summer until Wednesday, Aug. 16.

Any child 18 years or younger in the surrounding Covina-Valley community can receive one free breakfast and lunch meal every day through the Summer Meals Program. The program, which is federally and state-funded, is open to any family, whether or not they attend C-VUSD, and runs at 10 different locations throughout the summer.

Covina-Valley Unified has seen its summer meal program evolve over the years, with the program first becoming free to children in 2011, according to Director of Nutrition Services Lizett Olivares.

“These free and healthy meals are a vital resource to anyone in the community who may need them outside of the traditional school year,” Olivares said. “Parents are so grateful for the program, they really appreciate that the meals are free and available to all children, regardless of income, with no questions asked.”

More than 23,000 meals were served through the program during the first two weeks of summer, with nearly 3,500 meals going to children not enrolled in the District’s summer school. The program’s one requirement is that meals be enjoyed on-site.

To encourage growth and development, the Covina-Valley Unified Nutrition Services Department’s meals offer a wholesome balance of all food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and locally sourced dairy.

“Caring for our community never stops in Covina-Valley Unified,” District Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Eminhizer said. “Our Community Summer Meals Program is critical for many families in the San Gabriel Valley, and helps ensure children in our surrounding area have access to proper nutrition to support their physical and social development this summer.”

For more information on this program or its serving times, please call the C-VUSD Nutrition Services Department at (626) 974-7000 or visit bit.ly/C-VUSDnutrition.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

CVUSD_SUMMERMEALS1: From left to right: Northview High summer school students Angel Corona, Isaiah Limas, and Brandon Cabral enjoy Covina-Valley Unified’s free summer meal program. The District’s Community Summer Meals Program served more than 23,000 meals, including 3,500 meals to children not enrolled in C-VUSD summer school through the first two weeks of summer.

CVUSD_SUMMERMEALS2: Covina-Valley Unified School District Nutrition Services staff Christina Orozco, left, and Patty Cedillo hand out free meals at Merwin Elementary School. The District’s Community Summer Meals Program offers free breakfast and lunch to children 18 years or younger in the San Gabriel Valley. The program runs throughout the summer until Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 10 different participating locations.