The summertime lunch program for students jointly operated by the city of San Diego and San Diego Unified School District served its 1 millionth meal Wednesday at the City Heights Recreation Center.
The 13-year-old Summer Fun Cafe provides healthy meals to students up to age 18 during the gap in the school year. It’s funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“This program is all about providing more opportunities for San Diego’s families and children who would otherwise go without lunch during the summer months when school is out,” Mayor Kevin Faulconer said.
“Each meal makes a difference and through this partnership between the city and school district we’ve now been able to make a million differences,” he said.
The program has expanded since its 2003 start to 34 sites around San Diego.
“Students need access to healthy food all year long, not just when school is in session,” said Superintendent Cindy Marten. “The summer meal program helps to ensure children continue receiving adequate nutrition during summer so that they return to the upcoming school year ready to learn, grow and thrive.”
Around 10,000 lunches have been served so far this summer, according to the city.
The city of San Diego has started a similar program with the South Bay Union School District to serve meals at five recreation centers within district boundaries.
— City News Service