Free Meals at the Library! ¡Comida Gratis en la Biblioteca!

Since 2015, San Mateo County Libraries has been serving free meals to the public year-round at the East Palo Alto Library. We are thrilled to resume our popular meal programs at the East Palo Alto Library, Half Moon Bay Library and North Fair Oaks Library this year. 

Hours of Meal Service

East Palo Alto Library:

Half Moon Bay Library:

North Fair Oaks Library:

Free meals will be provided to children and adults while supplies last. Youth meals are only available to be consumed onsite. The menu varies and has included sandwiches, wraps, salads, and snack packs! Check with your local library about the upcoming menu selections. Regardless of what is on the menu that day, we can always guarantee that it will come with fruit, veggies, grains, protein and milk to ensure that it is a complete and balanced meal.

Why do we serve meals?

Libraries provide all kinds of resources that serve the needs of their communities, including access to nutritious meals. The number of meals served and overwhelming feedback from our patrons reinforces the need for this service.

The Child and Adult Care Feeding Program is a state and federally funded Child Nutrition Program designed to provide nutritious meals and snacks served to infants, children and adults. The goal of the program is to enhance participants' health and well-being. The California Department of Social Services CACFP Branch administers the program in California.

Can't make it to a library meal site? No problem! Apply for Calfresh! CalFresh is for people who meet federal income eligibility rules and want to add to their budget to put healthy and nutritious food on the table.

We hope to see you at the library soon!

Changing weather conditions and supply issues could affect some meal service. To check if meals service has changed, get in touch with us.