Free Summer Meals Start Now for Santa Barbara County Youth
Santa Barbara County is once again offering free summer meals to children and teens under 18 through the United Boys & Girls Clubs as part of the federally supported Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). This vital program ensures young people maintain access to nutritious meals during the summer months when school cafeterias are closed.
Meals are available immediately and will run through early August at multiple Boys & Girls Club sites across the county. No eligibility paperwork or documentation is required. Children and teens simply need to show up during the serving hours to eat for free.
Where and When to Get Free Meals
Breakfast is served from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., and lunch is available daily from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at these participating locations:
- Buellton Club: June 8-10 and July 13-31, 595 2nd St., Buellton
- Lompoc Boys & Girls Club: June 8-July 31, 1025 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc
- Westside Boys & Girls Club: June 15-August 7, 602 W. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara
- Goleta Boys & Girls Club: June 8-August 7, 5701 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara
- Carpinteria Boys & Girls Club: June 15-August 7, 4849 Foothill Road, Carpinteria
Why This Matters Now
The Summer Food Service Program combats food insecurity among youth by providing free, healthy meals while public schools are closed in summer. Coordinators emphasize that the program is crucial for children who rely on school meals during the academic year, especially in economically vulnerable communities.
“We are proud to maintain access to nutritious food for our youth throughout the summer, ensuring no child goes hungry,” said a United Boys & Girls Clubs representative.
With thousands of children and teens at risk of nutritional gaps during summer breaks nationwide, Santa Barbara’s program is a key lifeline. Programs like these have been proven to reduce summer hunger and promote better health and educational outcomes.
How to Support or Get More Info
Parents and guardians can bring children aged 18 and younger to any of the listed locations during meal times without any registration. The program operates at no cost to families, and no documentation is needed.
Donations and volunteer support are welcomed to sustain the effort. For additional details or to contribute, visit the official website at www.unitedbg.org.
This initiative reflects a growing nationwide push to safeguard children’s health amid inflation and economic challenges that have increased food insecurity in many communities, including North Carolina and across the U.S.
Act Now—Ensure Local Youth Can Eat This Summer
Families in Santa Barbara County should take immediate advantage of this program to keep their kids fed and supported through summer’s end. The program wrap-ups coincide with schools reopening in August, so the window for free meals is open now but limited.
Stay connected with The NC Voice for updates on similar programs throughout North Carolina and across the United States.
