San Diego Families Get a Lifeline as Free Summer Meal Program Eases Food Burden During School Break

The Summer Hunger Gap

As schools shut down for summer vacation, many families across the country are met with a new challenge—keeping their children fed throughout the day without the safety net of school-provided meals. With rising food prices and extended days at home, the cost of daily meals can quickly overwhelm tight household budgets.

Marcela Mercado, a single mother raising three children, voiced a concern shared by many parents. “It’s hard to divide all the expenses, especially during the summer when we need to buy more food because the kids are home longer,” she said. During the school year, her children benefit from the free breakfast and lunch programs at school, easing her financial burden.

School Meals Make a Big Difference

For many families, free school meals are not just a convenience—they’re a necessity. “It really helps with other opportunities for them to eat fruits and vegetables,” Mercado shared. “Sometimes they eat more of the food that’s free at school and then get picky at home.” She estimates the school meal program saves her family between $500 to $600 each month.

Those savings are significant when compared with national averages. According to recent data, a single adult spends roughly $504 on groceries each month, while a family of four spends around $996. For low-income families or single parents, these figures represent a financial strain that becomes more intense during the summer.

Free Summer Meal Program Returns

To bridge the nutrition gap left by summer break, the San Diego Unified School District has launched its annual free summer meals initiative. The program will serve up to 250,000 meals throughout June and July at over 70 distribution points, including parks, libraries, community centers, and school campuses.

What makes this initiative especially helpful is that it’s open to all children aged 18 and under—no application, ID, or proof of residency required. Parents don’t need to worry about eligibility or paperwork. Children can simply show up and eat.

“Food costs a lot of money,” a district representative said. “Families could save up to $1,800 over the summer just by participating in the free meals program.”

Providing Nutrition Without Barriers

The goal of this program is not just to fill stomachs but to ease the daily stress families face when school is out. With no questions asked, it provides a dignified, judgment-free solution to ensure that children continue receiving nutritious meals.

As the summer heat rises and expenses pile up, the program serves as a much-needed safety net—offering relief, support, and the peace of mind that no child has to go hungry simply because school is not in session.

How Families Can Participate

Who qualifies? All children aged 18 and under

Where? 70+ locations including schools, parks, libraries, and community centers

When? June and July

What is needed? No application, ID, or residency proof required

How much does it save? Up to $1,800 per family over the summer

For families like Marcela’s and thousands of others, this program isn’t just about meals—it’s about making summer a little less stressful and a lot more nourishing.