Thousands of cars made their way to the Madera Community College Campus for a grab-and-go box of food.
"It's just great for the community and we are just out here feeding the kids," said Nutrition Services Director Brian Chiarito.
One by one, families waited patiently in their cars until a box of food and milk was placed in their trunk at the Madera Community College Campus.
The distribution made possible through the United States Department of Agriculture.
Nutrition Services Director Brian Chiarito says parents with children ages 2 to 18 in any Central Valley district can register for a box.
"Within that, there is cereal, benefit bars, muffins, tamales, chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, burritos, pizza pockets," said Chiarito.
Fruits and veggies are also added to the mix.
"A pound of blueberries, nectarines, peaches, an abundance of fruits and veggies and a lettuce mix," said Nutritionist Josceline Virrey.
Healthy food that the nutrition advisors say every student deserves to have access to during summer break.
During the school year, Madera Unified sees the need firsthand.
"Kids don't stop being hungry. Our numbers, we feed 15 thousand lunches a day and when summer comes, it drops to 2,000," said Chiarito.
A little over 6 thousand boxes were handed out on Thursday morning.
For perspective, officials say that's about 120 thousand meals.
It's a busy task that took months of preparation but is believed to be well worth it.
"We get to be a part of something that is bigger than ourselves and with that, that is a good feeling, being able to take care of the kids," said Chiarito.
There will be a few more distributions happening this summer.
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