DSUSD Summer Meal Service Begins June 7       

During last summer’s meal service program, over 1.2 million meals were served between mid-June and mid-August

United States school districts began serving meals in the summer in 1975 almost 70 years after the Provision of Meals Act of 1906 first began a school meals program. In the past 18 months, the meal service to students has grown due to the increased need for assistance as many families have lost jobs or seen a decrease in family income. Since March 13, 2020, Desert Sands Nutrition Services team members have served over six million meals to the children in our care.

During last summer’s meal service program, over 1.2 million meals were served between mid-June and mid-August. A similar number of meals is expected to be shared this summer as we begin meal service on June 7. The summer meal program for 2021 will end on August 9. The “Grab and Go” meal service as it was dubbed last year will take place two days a week, Monday and Wednesday, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at 11 DSUSD schools. Meals may be picked up at ANY of the schools. Families DO NOT need to pick up meals at their children’s schools.

Palm Desert

James Carter Elementary School
George Washington Charter Elementary School

Indio

Amistad High School
Indio High School
Shadow Hills High School
John Glenn Middle School
Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Andrew Jackson Elementary School
Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary School
Martin Van Buren Elementary School

La Quinta

Benjamin Franklin Elementary School
Harry S. Truman Elementary School

Over 170 staff members make up the DSUSD nutrition services team. Approximately 40% of the group will work throughout the summer preparing the meals. Each child under the age of 18 is entitled to receive one breakfast and one lunch for Sunday through Saturday. On Monday children will receive three breakfasts and three lunches; on Wednesday they will receive four breakfasts and four lunches. Breakfast typically includes an entrée such as cereal and milk, a whole grain cinnamon roll, a breakfast bar, or bagel. Each breakfast includes fruit and milk. Lunch could include a sandwich or an entrée to be heated at home such as pizza or a burrito.

In addition to the “Grab and Go” summer meal service, an increase in the number of sites offering summer school and participants will find the team preparing and serving at least one meal per student for each of the class days. Most weeks will find students in class Monday through Thursday with a few exceptions. Length of time at school during the summer will form the decision on one meal or two meals being provided.

All meals, both “Grab and Go” and at summer school sites, throughout the summer will be free for children 18 years old and younger, funded by state and federal programs. USDA has further confirmed that all meals for the 2021-2022 school year will be provided to students at NO cost.

For more information on Desert Sands Unified School District summer meal program, please click here.