By Hannah Taylor

For some children, a much anticipated summer vacation brings a big challenge. No more school means no more food. Many kids rely upon free or reduced-priced meals during the school year and face hunger during the summer months. The SCV Food Service Agency, with help from the USDA Summer Meal Program, is providing free meals to all children between the ages of 1 and 18.

Disabled persons over 18 years old who are enrolled in regular school programs for the mentally or physically disabled are also eligible to receive food.

Lack of nutrition corresponds to increased sickness, absences from school, and lower scores on achievement tests. Feeding children during summer vacation is important for their physical development and to bring them back to school.

Food will be provided at the following sites:

Newhall Boys & Girls Club, 24909 Newhall Ave., Newhall

June 14-Aug. 10; Holiday 7/5

Breakfast served from 8:00-9:00, lunch served from 12:00-1:00

Sierra Vista Boys & Girls Club, 19425 Stillmore St., Canyon Country

June 14-Aug. 10; Holiday 7/5

Breakfast served from 8:00-9:00, lunch served from 12:00-1:30

Val Verde Boys & Girls Club, 30300 Arlington St., Val Verde

June 7-Aug. 10; Holiday 7/5

Lunch served from 12:00-2:00

City of Santa Clarita Community Center, 22421 Market St., Newhall

June 14 through Aug. 13; Holiday 7/5

Lunch served from 12:00-1:00

Cedarcreek Elementary, 27792 Camp Plenty Rd., Canyon Country

June 14-June 30

Breakfast served from 8:00-8:30, lunch served from 12:30-1:15

Leona Cox Elementary, 18643 Oakmoor St., Canyon Country

June 21-July 16; Holiday 7/5

Breakfast served from 8:00-9:00, lunch served from 11:00-12:00

Valley View Elementary, 19414 Sierra Estates Dr., Newhall

June 21-July 16; Holiday 7/5

Breakfast served from 9:00-9:30, lunch served from 11:30-12:00

For more information, contact the Santa Clarita Valley School Food Services Agency at (661) 295-1574 ext. 103.