Since 2015, San Mateo County Libraries has been serving free meals to the public year-round at the East Palo Alto Library. The program has been such a huge success that we serve up to 100 meals a day! We are thrilled to resume our popular After-School Meals program at the East Palo Alto Library, Half Moon Bay Library and North Fair Oaks Library this year.
Hours of Operation
East Palo Alto Library:
Mondays - Fridays from 3:15 - 3:45 PM, opens a new window
Half Moon Bay Library:
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, opens a new window
- Thursdays from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM, opens a new window
North Fair Oaks Library:
- Mondays - Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:00 PM, opens a new window
- Fridays from 3:30 - 4:30 PM, opens a new window
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 hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, tamales, pasta, salads, or a variety pack of small bites (chips, string cheese, crackers, sunflower seeds, sunflower butter and celery) that are popularly known as "snack packs" by our community and staff. Regardless of what is on the menu that day, we can always guarantee that it will come with organic fruit, veggies, 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 Summer Food Service Program is a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, administered in California by the California Department of Education. Lunch at the Library is a project of the California State Library in partnership with the California Library Association and supported with funds from the State of California. Adult meals are funded by Second Harvest Food Bank. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Looking for a closer meal site to you? Summer meals are provided by school districts and other community organizations throughout San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Visit http://www.shfb.org/summer-meals, opens a new window to find a location and hours near you, or download the California Meals for Kids mobile app, opens a new window.
Need free groceries or want to apply for CalFresh? Call the Second Harvest Food Connection hotline at 1-800-96403663, weekdays from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
We hope to see you at the East Palo Alto Library and North Fair Oaks Library soon!
Changing weather conditions and supply issues could affect some meals service. To check if meals service has changed, get in touch with us.
