Free Lunch at Sacramento Public Libraries for Kids This Summer
If you didn’t already know, California was the first state to introduce a Universal Meals Program, providing free breakfast and lunch to all public TK-12 students each school day. Any student, regardless of income, can participate. California implemented this program to combat child hunger.
Families who rely on these meals have to look to other resources during the summer months for affordable meals when school is no longer in session. Luckily, there are a few organizations that provide free lunch to kids in the Sacramento area during the summer months. One of these programs is Free Lunch at the Sacramento Public Library.
Keep reading to learn about Free Lunch at the Library and check out the many free things to do in Sacramento with kids this summer.
What is Lunch at the Library?
Free lunches are provided to all youth ages 18 and under at participating Sacramento Public Libraries, no questions asked. This incredible program ensures kids still receive free lunches when school is not in session during specific weeks in the summer months.
Fuel your summer with free meals for kids June 16 through August 7. Meals will be served at 13 library locations Tuesday through Friday from 12-1 p.m. to all children 18 years and younger. No registration is required and drop-ins are welcome.
Lunch at the Library Dates & Times
Lunch at the Library takes place in 2026 from June 16 through August 7. Lunches will be available from 12pm to 1pm, Tuesday through Friday.
When receiving a free lunch, it must be eaten at the library. Signage in the participating Sacramento area libraries will direct youth to where they can receive and eat their lunches.
Who Qualifies?
Any youth 18 and under is eligible to receive free lunch from the participating Sacramento Public Libraries.
Participating Sacramento Public Library Locations
In 2026, 13 Sacramento Public Libraries will be participating in Lunch at the Library.
Free lunches are available at the following locations:
- Arcade Library: 2443 Marconi Ave, Sacramento, CA 95821
- Carmichael Library: 5605 Marconi Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608
- Colonial Heights Library: 4799 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento , CA 95820
- Del Paso Heights Library: 920 Grand Ave, Sacramento , CA 95838
- Elk Grove Library: 8900 Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95624
- Fair Oaks Library: 11601 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks, CA 95628
- North Highlands-Antelope Library: 4235 Antelope Road, Antelope , CA 95843
- Rancho Cordova Library: 9845 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95827
- Rio Linda Library: 6724 6th St., Rio Linda, CA 95673
- Southgate Library: 6132 66th Ave., Sacramento, CA 95823
- South Natomas Library: 2901 Truxel Road, Sacramento , CA 95833
- Sylvan Oaks Library: 6700 Auburn Blvd., Citrus Heights, CA 95621
- Valley Hi-North Laguna Library: 7400 Imagination Parkway, Sacramento, CA 95823
A few closures will take place in 2026, including:
- No lunches will be served on June 19 as all libraries will be closed for Juneteenth
- The North Highlands-Antelope free lunch begins late on June 30
- Elk Grove Library free lunch ends early on July 24 due to a planned branch closure
What Families Should Know
Children can simply show up Tuesdays through Fridays at one of the participating Sacramento Public Libraries between 12pm and 1pm to receive their free lunch. No registration is required. Similarly, IDs are not needed.
The main stipulation of the free Lunch at the Library program is that it must be eaten at the library.
In addition to Lunch at the Library, La Familia Counseling Center in Sacramento also has a free summer lunch program. Their program requires registration to participate.
Families who need further assistance with summer meals can text “Summer Meals” to 914-342-7744 or call 1-866-348-6479 to contact the USDA Meal Finder.
Nearby Activities
Some of the participating Sacramento Public Library locations are near playgrounds, making it easy to combine with free lunches for a fun summer day.
Notably, Valley Hi-North Laguna Library shares the same park with Shasta Community Park. This Sacramento park has two Treasure Island and Swiss Family Robinson-inspired playgrounds. It has a large pirate ship on the toddler playground. It’s an ideal park for kids in the summer since it has a water misting area.
South Natomas Library is also next to Fort Natomas (South Natomas Community Park), which is one of the best playgrounds in Natomas.
