Over the recent years, the Kern County Library and Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) have partnered to provide young children ages 2-18 with a free meal, snack, and a space to participate in activities offered by the library.
Given the current government shutdown and delayed SNAP benefits for November, the Supper and Snacks in the Stacks program comes at a time when food insecurity will rise. As mass tariffs, prices on imported goods, and inflation rates are massively increasing grocery prices.
Diana Guerro, a spokesperson with the McFarland Branch Library, commented on the significance of programs like Supper and Snacks in the Stacks, as they provide pivotal community resources.
“This program is for children who are facing food insecurity at home. It allows them to come and enjoy a meal after school. It also allows them to participate in the activities that we offer here in the library, and then they get to go home with a meal in their system,” said Guerro
To receive a meal, the young children just need to show up; no documents or sign-ups are needed to obtain a meal.
On Tuesday, the Kern County Library shared on its social media platforms the flyer for the Supper and Snacks program, which included ten county libraries that will supply the food. The post received a lot of traction and positive commentary.
One user wrote, “Kern County always blesses those in need,” while others expressed their gratitude towards the public library and inquired if any volunteering is needed.
From 3 pm to 5 pm, supper will be served, followed by snacks from 5 pm to 6 pm. Libraries will operate from 10 am to 7 pm/
The following branches will be providing these services to the youth.
- Beale Memorial Library Monday-Friday
- Frazier Park Branch Library Tuesday-Friday
- Holloway-Gonzales Branch Library Tuesday-Friday
- Lamont Branch Library Tuesday-Friday
- McFarland Branch Library Tuesday-Friday
- Northeast Branch Library Tuesday-Friday
- Rathbun Branch Library Tuesday-Friday
- Southwest Branch Library Monday-Friday
- Taft Branch Library Monday-Wednesday
- Wilson Branch Library Tuesday-Friday
