Free school meals program extended through June 2021 in Shasta County

REDDING, Calif. — Children under the age of 18 can now continue to receive free school meals at various school districts in Shasta County. The summer meal program has been extended for an entire year, ensuring local children have a couple of free meals a day until June 30, 2021.

Over twenty schools are participating including Anderson High School in Redding, Burney High School, Fall River Elementary, Grand Oaks, and several others.

Health And Nutrition Director at Shasta County Office of Education, Michelle Larsen, says “We want to make sure the kids have a nutritious meal because sometimes this is the only meal they get when we are in school. So now that some students are distance learning and some students are in school, we are able to provide the meal for them no matter what learning environment they are in.”

The early childhood services with the Shasta County Office of Education says if students can’t make the free lunch location there may be drop off options. Parents should contact their school district to make sure their children have access to free meals.

Locations include drive-thru meals, some are bus stops, and other schools are pick up locations. All children must be present to receive a meal.