SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Since 2017, Bread & Broth has provided Lake Tahoe South Shore food-insecure children with nutritious groceries and kid-friendly meals over the summer. This year’s B&B 4 Kids Summer Program begins on Wednesday, July 5, and continues every Wednesday through August 23 when children get ready to return to school.

Children up to the age of 18 have the opportunity to drop by St. Theresa Catholic Church (Grace Hall) located at 1041 Lyons Avenue from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. each Wednesday. The kids can come alone, or with their parent or guardian to pick out food for the week. Parents must be accompanied by their child(ren).

A variety of nutritious foods such as cereals, fortified milk, bread, peanut butter, canned meats, single-serving meals, fresh fruit, and nutrition bars will be offered to every child. In addition, a “surprise snack” will be given to each child to encourage continued participation.

As shared by Cheryl Breitwieser, co-chairperson of the B&B 4 Kids program, one child enthusiastically shouted during the program’s first week last summer, “This is so fun – I’m coming back next week!”

Over 45 percent of children in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District qualify for free or reduced-cost breakfasts and lunches during the school year. Many of these children rely on outside services and agencies during the summer to provide nutritious food. Last summer, over 1,500 bags of food were provided throughout the B&B 4 Kids Summer Program for local children over the nine-week break from school.

This program works in conjunction with the B&B 4 Kids School Weekend Food Bag Program which provides seven single-serving meals, healthy snacks, and fruit to children each Friday during the school year. Their summer program allows nutritious foods to be provided during the summer break when children don’t receive the free meals at school and will enable volunteers to have direct contact with the many children who pick up food.

“I especially love the Summer Program because we get to see the kids and actually interact with them when they stop by St. Theresa’s Grace Hall, helping them fill their bags with the foods they want,” said B&B 4 Kids Co-Chairperson Christy Slocum.

In addition, summer food bags will be delivered to several local childcare centers including Boys & Girls Club, Catalyst Community, Catalyst Kids, Head Start, LTCC Childcare, CASA, Live Violence Free, and Step by Step.

For more information, please visit www.breadandbroth.org if you are interested in volunteering, please email bbvolunteers2021@gmail.com.