UPDATE: State Encourages Families to Take Advantage of Free Meals for Children

The state is urging families to take advantage of the Free Summer Food Program, which is ongoing at schools throughout Beaumont and Banning.

on June 8, when Beaumont schools were prepping for the program.  Now that summer is underway, the state is reminding the public of the free meals available and of a new resource to find your closest location.

“When school is closed for the summer, many low-income children don’t have access to the nutritious and free or inexpensive meals usually offered during the school year,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said this week. “I encourage families to go to the hundreds of summer meal sites already open throughout the state to ensure their kids get the proper nutrition needed to help them develop properly and be ready to learn when they return to school.”

The federally funded program provides free breakfast and lunch to all children age 18 and under.

The program is offered to districts who have more than 50 percent of their students on free or reduced lunch plans, according to Kathy Zipperstein, director of child nutrition services for Beaumont Unified School District.

According to the state, the program can be utilized by "all children in accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, and is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability."

"Meals must follow a specified plan that includes milk, fruits, vegetables or juice, grain products, and meat or meat alternative," a state press release says.  "Meals may include breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack."

A new interactive map shows all locations where meals are offered in California. Those without computer access can call the Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479).

Below, you'll find local programs in the Pass area: