Redlands Unified launches summer meal program with kickoff event at A.K. Smiley Library

REDLANDS, Calif. — Redlands Unified School District will kick off its annual summer meals program with a community event June 18 at A.K. Smiley Public Library, offering free meals, family activities and information about food resources available to local students during the summer break.

The Summer Meals Kickoff is scheduled from 10:45 a.m. to noon Thursday, June 18, at the library, 125 W. Vine St. District officials said the event will feature a barbecue-style lunch, food samples, arts and crafts, face painting and other family-friendly activities.

The event marks the start of Redlands Unified's summer meal program, which provides no-cost meals to children 18 and younger at several locations throughout the city. The program is operated through the district's Child Nutrition Services department and is intended to support student health and food access while school is not in session.

According to the district, meal service will be offered at Redlands High School, Citrus Valley High School, Orangewood High School, the YMCA, A.K. Smiley Library and select summer camp locations. All children 18 and younger may receive meals free of charge, and vegetarian options are available.

At A.K. Smiley Library, free lunches will be served Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 18 through Aug. 6 from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m.

District officials said they hope the kickoff event will bring families together while raising awareness about resources available to students during the summer months.

Where to Find Free Summer Meals

A.K. Smiley Library
25 W. Vine St.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 18-Aug. 6
Lunch: 10:45-11:30 a.m.

YMCA of the East Valley
500 E. Citrus Ave.
Monday-Friday, June 8-Aug. 12
Breakfast: 7:40-7:55 a.m.
Lunch: 11:35-11:50 a.m.

Redlands High School
840 E. Citrus Ave.
Monday-Friday, June 15-July 17
Breakfast: 7:45-8 a.m.
Lunch: 12:45-1 p.m.

Citrus Valley High School
800 W. Pioneer Ave.
Monday-Friday, June 17-July 16
Breakfast: 7:45-8 a.m.
Lunch: 12:45-1 p.m.

Orangewood High School
515 Texas St.
Monday-Friday, June 11-July 10
Breakfast: 7:45-8 a.m.
Lunch: 12:50-1:05 p.m.

Pathway Camp
105 Tennessee St.
July 6-10
Breakfast (Monday-Friday): 8:45-9 a.m.
Lunch (Tuesday and Thursday only): 12:45-1 p.m.

Citizen's Camp
105 Tennessee St.
June 8-11
Lunch: 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Know before you go: All meals are free for children 18 and younger. Vegetarian options are available. No meal service will be provided June 19 or July 3.