As summer stretches on and school cafeterias remain closed, families across Santa Cruz County may find themselves asking the same question: Where will the next meal come from?
For thousands of local children, the answer is simple—right in their own neighborhoods.
La Manzana Community Resources (LMCR), a program of Community Bridges’ Family Resource Collective, is once again hosting its annual Summer Lunch Program—providing free, nutritious meals to all children and youth ages 0–18 at multiple community-based locations across Watsonville and Santa Cruz.
No applications, no ID, and no proof of income are required—just show up and receive a healthy lunch, no questions asked. Meals are served Monday through Friday, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, through early August at most sites.
“We know that for many families, school isn’t just a place for learning—it’s also where children get their most consistent meal,” said LMCR Program Manager. “This program helps fill that gap by meeting kids where they already are—at apartment complexes, community centers, and local parks. It’s one less barrier for parents who are trying to keep their children healthy through the summer.”
Over the past four years, Community Bridges’ Summer Lunch Program has distributed more than 30,000 meals, directly addressing summer hunger and food insecurity in neighborhoods with the greatest need.
This year’s program includes nine local sites, each offering meals at no cost and with no eligibility documentation required.
Serving Sites and Dates
June 9 – August 1
- Boys and Girls Club of Santa Cruz
543 Center St., Santa Cruz
- Nueva Vista at Beach Flats Park
131 Leibrandt Ave., Santa Cruz
June 9 – August 8
- La Manzana Community Resources
521 Main St., Watsonville
- Stone Creek Apartments
300 Bree Lane, Watsonville
- Vista Verde Apartments
45 Steward Ave., Freedom
- Corralitos Creek Apartments
125 Pajaro Circle, Freedom
June 23 – July 31
- Sunny Meadows
220 Ross Ave., Freedom
- Schapiro Knolls
33 Minto Rd., Watsonville
June 23 – August 1
- Sparrow Terrace
139 Miles Ave., Watsonville
The Summer Lunch Program is made possible through a combination of state and local funding. Still, approximately 30% of program costs are covered by donations from community members.
How You Can Help
- Donate at: communitybridges.org/donate (Select “La Manzana Community Resource Center” from the dropdown menu)
- Volunteer: communitybridges.org/volunteer
Whether you’re a parent in need of support or a neighbor who wants to make a difference, this program is a lifeline—and a powerful reminder that no child should go hungry, ever.
Meals are available now through early August—all you have to do is show up.
