Twenty Los Angeles County Library branches are offering free weekday lunches to children and teens through the Lunch at the Library program, county officials announced on June 16, 2025.
The initiative, launched in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, began on Monday, June 16, and runs through August 8. It provides free, healthy meals to residents aged 18 and under, with no registration or income verification required. Meals are distributed Monday through Friday, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., based on the schedule of each participating location.
All meals are served on a first come, first served basis and must be consumed on-site at the library.
“This program continues to be a vital service for families in our communities,” said Skye Patrick, LA County Librarian, in a statement. “We’re proud to once again provide a safe, welcoming space where children and teens can access nutritious meals, discover books, and stay engaged during the summer months.”
The following libraries are offering meals Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.:
East Los Angeles, Lake Los Angeles, Quartz Hill, Rowland Heights, South Whittier, and Woodcrest.
The following libraries are offering meals Tuesday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.:
Baldwin Park, Carson, Clifton M. Brakensiek, Compton, El Monte, La Puente (through August 1), Lancaster, Lawndale, Lomita, Norwalk, Paramount, San Fernando, San Gabriel, and Temple City.
No meals will be served on June 19 (Juneteenth) and July 4 (Independence Day), in observance of federal holidays.
Now in its 11th year, Lunch at the Library is part of the federally funded Summer Food Service Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and managed in California by the California Department of Education. Additional support is provided by the California State Library.
“No family should have to worry about where their next meal will come from, especially when school is out,” said Norma E. García-González, LA County Parks Director. “We’re proud to help remove barriers so that every child can thrive, learn, and enjoy a safe space this summer.”
More information and a full schedule are available at LACountyLibrary.org/free-summer-lunch.
