The Oakley Union Elementary School District (OUESD) is working to ensure that no children in Oakley go hungry when school is closed this summer. More than 61,000 children in Contra Costa County receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year, but many of these don’t get enough to eat when school is out. The Seamless Summer Feeding Option (SSFO) ensures that low-income children continue to grow and learn during the summer.

The Seamless Summer Feeding Option is a federally funded program operated nationally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the California Department of Education. Sponsors serve nutritious meals and snacks free to low-income children during the summer months. Summer programs are located at approved sites that are either located in low-income areas or otherwise serve a group of low-income children.

According to OUESD Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Maryann Hussey, “Many of our children, who rely on school breakfast and lunch during the school year, do not have the energy they need during the summer. That’s where we come in, by providing nutritious meals and activities to keep kids nourished and engaged.

“Our responsibility to students doesn’t end when school lets out. Students who get enough to eat and have safe activities to participate in during the summer are more likely to be successful. Our summer meals program is a building block in the community for healthy, happy kids who are ready to learn.”

To find out about the Seamless Summer Feeding Option in Oakley, call Director of Nutrition Services Cheryl Wagner at 925-625-6852.