Oakland Reinstates Free Summer Meal Program After Public Outcry and Philanthropic Support

Oakland’s free summer food program, which was previously slated for cancellation due to budget constraints, is set to resume.

The program, funded partly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will provide daily lunches and snacks at approximately 45 locations across the city, including libraries, recreation centers, nonprofits, and churches.

Service is scheduled to begin in late May and continue through the second week of August.

The city’s decision to reinstate the program follows a public-private partnership, with contributions from philanthropic organizations such as the East Bay Community Foundation. Last summer, the program served over 1,700 meals daily, aiming to bridge the meal gap during months when school meals are unavailable.

The initial cancellation was attributed to a nearly $130 million budget shortfall, leading to the reallocation of funds from the sugar-sweetened beverage tax, which had previously supported youth health programs, including the summer food service. Community organizations expressed concern over the late notice of cancellation, highlighting the program’s importance in areas with limited access to healthy food.

With the reinstatement, all original sites are expected to receive meals, though specific details about the new funding arrangement have not been fully disclosed.