For some kids, the only healthy meal they may consume is a meal offered at school during the academic year. With winter break around the corner, December 17, 2018 through January 4, 2019, Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (Fresno EOC) is getting ready to provide no-cost meals to youth in the community through its Winter Food Services Program.
According to California Food Policy Advocates’ 2016 Fresno County Nutrition and Food Insecurity Profile, 131,000 kids residing in Fresno County fall into a nutrition gap while out of school. These children miss out on access to nutritious meals that combat hunger and food insecurity, support year-round learning, and help prevent obesity.
Organizations where children (ages 1-18) gather together anytime during winter break can qualify for no-cost nutritious breakfast, lunch, and supper meals. This includes holiday events, sports teams, churches, camps, parks, libraries, community centers or any other locations including one day events. Meals are delivered by our drivers to your site at no cost. No registration or documentation is needed from families.
The meals, prepared and delivered by Fresno EOC Food Services, meet strict United States Department of Agriculture and California Department of Education nutrition guidelines and are comprised of two ounces of protein, two servings of fruits/vegetables, one serving of bread, and eight ounces of milk. Meals must be eaten in a group setting and stay on location.
Fresno EOC began administering the Winter Food Services Program last year with twenty-eight sites. “We are looking to increase the number of sites to provide healthy meals for more youth in our community,” says Jon Escobar, Fresno EOC Interim Food Services Director. Escobar encourages community groups to call (559) 266-3663 to inquire about becoming a distribution site.
The Winter Food Service Program is a federal program funded by the USDA and administered by the California Department of Education.
About Fresno EOC Food Services
Fresno EOC, a private nonprofit organization, provides opportunities and resources to low-income Fresno County residents for over 53 years. Fresno EOC offers over 35 comprehensive community-based programs that empower individuals to thrive as healthy, self-sufficient and contributing members of our communities. Fresno EOC Food Services program provides healthy and nutritious meals to pre-school and school-age children, youth and young adults, seniors, and organizations. Café EOC, their full-service catering company, helps to fund community programs.