New program offers free meals for Valley students during winter break

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The school district is partnering with Fresno EOC to ensure students maintain good nutrition and do not go hungry before returning to school after the holidays.

Fresno Unified along with Fresno EOC want to help families this winter break by offering free meals to kids in the community.

"If there are children who want a free hot nutritious meal come into our schools we want to help you," Bob Nelson said.

Superintendent Bob Nelson made the announcement Friday on the campus of Edison High this first-year program is federally funded and is open to every child up to the age of 18. The meals will be served at eight Fresno Unified and 28 EOC locations.

"It's not just for our students but for all the kids in our community. No proof of eligibility or ID is required so if you're a child you can come into anyone one of our high schools or adult schools and be fed for free," Nelson said.

Fresno Unified is prepared to feed every student over the three-week winter break.

FUSD Director of Food Services, Jose Alvarado said, "We want to serve 74,000 meals every day because that's our student population."

The district already offers free food over the summer Fresno Unified served 200,000 meals last summer break.