School’s out — but the free meals don’t have to stop.
If your family could use a helping hand with lunches over summer break, you’re not alone. Several programs across Monterey County are serving free meals to kids and teens this summer through federal and local initiatives. No income verification, no registration required at most sites — just show up.
Here’s what’s available in our area for Summer 2026.
Lunch at the Library
One of the easiest options for Monterey County families: Monterey County Free Libraries is once again offering free grab-and-go lunches at most of its branches as part of the Summer Reading Club. Any young person 18 and under can stop by during lunch service hours and pick up a meal — no questions asked.
Since the program runs alongside the Summer Reading Club (June 1–July 31), it’s a great way to combine a free lunch with books, performances, and activities all in one trip.
Hours and locations vary by branch. Check www.eMCFL.org for your nearest branch and current lunch service times.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County
The Boys & Girls Clubs are running one of the longest free meal programs in the county this summer, serving both breakfast and lunch from June 8 through July 31 at two open sites:
- Boys & Girls Club Seaside Unit — 1332 La Salle Ave., Seaside | 831-394-5171 x315
- Harden Youth Development Center — 85 Maryal Dr., Salinas | 831-757-4412 x365
Both are open to the community — no membership or enrollment needed.
Alisal Union School District (Salinas)
Five Salinas schools are opening their cafeterias to the community this summer through the federal Seamless Summer Feeding Option, serving breakfast and lunch from June 8–July 10:
- Cesar E. Chavez Elementary — 1225 Towt St.
- Fremont Elementary — 1255 E. Market St.
- John E. Steinbeck Elementary — 1714 Burlington Dr.
- Oscar F. Loya Elementary — 1505 Cougar Dr.
- Spreckels Elementary — 4th St. & Hatton Ave., Spreckels
For hours and details, call Irene Vargas at 831-753-5776.
Greenfield Union Elementary School District
Two schools in Greenfield are offering breakfast and lunch from June 10–July 10:
- Arroyo Seco Academy — 1226 Apple Ave.
- Vista Verde Middle School — 1199 Elm Ave.
Contact: Christophe Haefele, 831-674-5586 x3539
Soledad Unified School District
Three community sites in Soledad are serving free lunch from June 16–July 17:
- Camphora Apartments — 32101 McCoy Rd.
- CHISPA – Jardines de Soledad — 501 Andalucia Dr.
- CHISPA – Soledad Town Homes — 438 Benito St.
Contact: Gabriel Ruelas, 831-665-3866
What You Need to Know
Who qualifies? Any child or teen 18 and under. Most sites listed above are “open” sites — no enrollment, registration, or income verification required.
Find a site near you: The California Department of Education maintains a searchable, regularly updated list of all summer meal sites statewide at cde.ca.gov/ds/sh/sn/summersites26.asp. You can also text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 914-342-7744 to find nearby sites.
Always call ahead to confirm current hours, as schedules may change during the summer.
For the full schedule or any updates, visit MPUSD Summer Meals or call 831-392-3903.
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