In Delano, the Delano Unified School District (DUSD) and the Brandywine apartment complex have partnered to ensure children continue to have access to nutritious meals during the summer months. Through the district’s Summer Meals Program, children can receive free breakfast and lunch even while school is out of session, helping families who rely on school meals throughout the academic year.
For the past five years, Brandywine Apartments, located on County Line Road, has served as one of DUSD’s community meal sites. From June 8 through July 10, the apartment complex opens its community space to children ages two through 18, providing a safe and welcoming environment where they can enjoy free meals prepared by DUSD. Breakfast is served from 9 to 10 a.m., while lunch is available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To comply with federal summer meal program guidelines, children must be present to receive a meal, and all food must be eaten on-site.
Beyond providing meals, Brandywine staff have worked to create an atmosphere that encourages children and families to return each day. Veronica Soto, property manager for Brandywine Apartments, said the goal is to make the site feel more like a community gathering place than simply a meal distribution location.
“What we’re doing this year we started doing bingo every Wednesday with the kids. So, it just gives them something to do and look forward to,” Soto said. “Wednesdays are pretty busy, and then we play a movie for them in the morning and afternoon. And then at the end of the year, on the last day that it is done, we do a party for them.”
Soto said even small details, such as decorating the dining area, help make children feel comfortable and welcomed.
“Even just decorating makes a big difference because I don’t want them to feel like they’re at a cafeteria. Nothing’s wrong with the cafeteria, but at Brandywine, we kind of go above and beyond not just for the residents, but for the community, too. It’s important,” Soto said.
The need for summer meal programs remains significant throughout Kern County. According to the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK), approximately one in five children lives in food-insecure households. During the summer, when schools close, and regular breakfast and lunch programs are unavailable, many families face increased financial strain as grocery costs rise. Community meal sites like Brandywine help bridge that gap by ensuring children continue to have reliable access to healthy meals.
John Chavolla, director of food services for the Delano Union Elementary School District, said the program was created specifically to address the nutritional needs of students during the summer break.
“Our program is focused on children 18 and under. It’s mainly to bridge the gap because a lot of times during the summer, kids depend on school meals, and they don’t get that during the summer. So that’s why we offer the summer program,” Chavolla said.
As the cost of food continues to rise, partnerships between school districts and community organizations have become increasingly important. By opening its doors each summer, Brandywine Apartments not only provides a location for meal service but also creates a space where children can socialize, participate in activities, and enjoy a sense of community during their summer break.
DUSD also offers similar services at Cecil Park, Delano Gardens Apartments, Grapevine Villa Apartments, the Delano Branch Library, and other locations. No application or registration is required. For more information, call the DUSD Food Services Department at (661) 721-5075.
