Long Beach Parks to Offer Free Summer Food Service Program for Local Youth

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PRESS RELEASE

Above: A child recieves a meal through the United States Department of Agriculture Summer Food Service Program offered by the City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine.

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) will offer the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Summer Food Service Program to provide free, nutritious meals to Long Beach youth ages 1 to 18 over the summer months.

Weekdays beginning June 15 through Aug. 21, 2026, PRM will offer the Summer Food Service Program at 23 park and library locations throughout Long Beach and Signal Hill, ensuring youth from all areas of the city have access to this valuable service. Service times vary at each site, with operating dates varying at select locations.

To participate, youth can simply arrive at a participating location during the designated time, no registration required. Lunches will consist of well-balanced and nutritious meal options, including cold components like milk, juice, fruits and vegetables. Lunches must be eaten onsite at the designated eating areas. Lunches will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

More information about this year's Summer Food Service Program, including the complete list of locations and their operating hours, is available at lbcity.info/summerfoodprogram or by calling 562.570.3524.

The Summer Food Service Program began in Long Beach in 1979 and has since provided more than two million meals to youth ages 1 to 18 years. The program was established to ensure that, during the summer school break, children would still be able to receive the same well-balanced meals they receive during the school year. The Summer Food Service Program for Children is funded through USDA and administered by the California Department of Education.

Media inquiries may be directed to Jennifer De Prez, Community Information Officer, Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, at [email protected].

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