Alexandria, La. (5/27/2026) – This summer, the Rapides Parish Library and the Food Bank of Central Louisiana are once again joining forces to ensure children in Rapides Parish have access to nutritious meals, educational opportunities, and safe community spaces while school is out.
From June 1 through July 31, 2026, free meals will be available Monday through Friday for school-age children and teens at select Rapides Parish Library branches through the Summer Food Service Program. The initiative is sponsored by the Food Bank of Central Louisiana and funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Loss of Reliable Breakfast
For many children, the end of the school year also means the loss of reliable breakfasts and lunches they receive during the school day. National organizations focused on hunger relief report that millions of children across the country depend on school meal programs during the academic year, and many families struggle to fill that gap during the summer months. According to No Kid Hungry, historically 87% of children who receive free or reduced-price school meals lose access to those meals during summer break.
The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program was created specifically to address this need by providing free meals to children in low-income communities while schools are closed. In 2024 alone, the program served approximately 159 million meals nationwide.
Research from the Food Research & Action Center shows that summer meal programs also help children stay healthy, active, and ready to learn when they return to school in the fall.
“No child should have to wonder where their next meal will come from,” said Celise Reech-Harper, Director of the Rapides Parish Library. “Libraries are gathering spaces where families find support, opportunity, and connection. We are honored to partner with the Food Bank of Central Louisiana to help ensure children throughout our parish are nourished, supported, and cared for during the summer months.”
Access to Arts and Crafts Activities
In addition to free meals, participating children will also have access to arts and crafts activities, coloring and activity books, and reading opportunities designed to keep young minds engaged throughout the summer.
Meals must be eaten onsite at the library during designated serving times.
Meal Service Locations and Times:
McDonald Branch
• Breakfast: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
• Lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Martin Library
• Breakfast: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Lunch: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Johnson Branch
• Lunch: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Robertson Branch
• Lunch: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The program is open to all eligible school-age children and teens free of charge.
The Food Bank of Central Louisiana, Inc. is participating in the Summer Food Service Program as an equal opportunity provider.
About Rapides Parish Library
Rapides Parish Library is dedicated to serving the community through educational programs, literacy initiatives, and community partnerships. Through programs like the Summer Food Service Program, the library helps provide children and families with access to nutritious meals, enriching activities, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Promoting literacy, guiding discovery, changing lives… for all.
Source: Rapides Parish Library
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