Free Summer Meals for Kids at Palm Beach County Libraries!

15801 Orange Blvd, Palm Beach County, USA - Summer in Palm Beach County brings more than just sunshine and fun; it’s also the season of giving, especially when it comes to feeding our young ones. The Palm Beach County Library System is extending a helping hand by offering free summer lunches for children 18 and younger at all 18 library branches. This program, which kicked off on June 3, will run until July 25. Meals are served daily from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., along with snacks available from 2 to 4 p.m. However, parents should note that there will be no service on July 3 and 4. All meals must be consumed on-site within the library premises, ensuring kids can enjoy their meals in a safe environment. For a full list of participating locations, please visit the library’s location page gotowncrier.com.

In addition to daily lunches, the library system is making weekends easier for families with their free Weekend Meal Kits. These kits are available for children 18 and younger at select locations every Friday, while supplies last. Each child present can receive one kit, but parents or guardians can request up to four kits without the kids tagging along. The initiative sees sponsorship from Feeding Dreams, which helps the Glades-area branches, and the Palm Beach County Food Bank for others. The Acreage branch library is one of the key locations distributing these kits, located at 15801 Orange Blvd. Anyone looking for further information can call (561) 681-4100.

Beyond Meals: Resources and Fun

But wait, there’s more! The Palm Beach County Library System isn’t just about meals; they also offer a range of free resources to engage and enrich kids and families this summer. From checking out a birding backpack, packed with binoculars and a Florida bird guide, to borrowing a mobile hotspot for that much-needed internet access, the libraries are committed to supporting our community’s needs. Library cardholders can even reserve meeting rooms at most branches, making it easier to hold gatherings or study sessions.

Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that the library has eliminated late fees on overdue materials since 2019, making it more accessible than ever for everyone to enjoy the bounty of books and resources available. For those who may not yet have a library card, the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach offers free library cards to non-residents as well!

Summer Lunches Across Palm Beach County

The initiative is part of a larger effort by the School District of Palm Beach County, which is providing free breakfast and lunch at 190 locations including schools, libraries, and community centers. From those attending summer school to kids at camp, anyone 18 and younger is eligible to partake. It’s essential that families know meals must be consumed on-site and to arrive during designated meal service times. Folks can always find meal locations and hours by visiting the Summer BreakSpot website or calling 2-1-1 for more information.

In addition to the library efforts, grab-and-go meals will also be available at Glades Central Community High School and Pahokee Middle-Senior High School. Meals, which will include two breakfasts and two lunches, are designed for convenience and do not require cooking. Pick-up times for these meals are on Fridays from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Families will need to ensure that the child is present to collect their meals, or if the child is not with them, parents must provide proof of age which can be a school ID or a simple picture of the child with them.

In this bustling season of warmth and community spirit, Palm Beach County is ensuring that hunger is one concern families won’t have to face. With hearty meals, engaging resources, and a bit of creativity, this summer is set to be one to remember for our kids!