This summer, Modesto City Schools is helping families access healthy food close to home through free summer meals and a new Traveling Farmers Market.
Through July 31, children and teens ages 18 and younger can receive free lunches at parks and community locations throughout Modesto. Families can also take advantage of the Traveling Farmers Market, which will bring fresh fruits and vegetables directly to participating Summer Food Program sites every Wednesday through July 1.
Together, these programs help ensure children have access to nutritious meals and fresh produce while school is out for the summer.
"Summer should be a time for children to grow, play, and thrive, not worry about where their next meal will come from," said Pearl Lo, Senior Director of Nutrition Services. "By combining free meals with fresh produce and nutrition education, we're helping families access healthy foods and support student well-being throughout the summer."
The Summer Food Program is open to all children and teens ages 18 and younger. No registration, identification, or income verification is required. Children must be present to receive a meal, and meals must be eaten onsite.
Bringing Fresh Produce Directly to Families
New this year, the Traveling Farmers Market will visit Summer Food Program sites throughout Modesto every Wednesday through July 1. Families can receive fresh seasonal produce while supplies last and connect with nutrition education resources that support healthy eating at home.
The effort builds on Modesto City Schools' longstanding commitment to student wellness. The district has provided free summer meals since 1995 and serves approximately 400 children each day during the summer months.
Traveling Farmers Market Schedule
Families visiting participating Summer Food Program sites on Wednesdays can also receive fresh fruits and vegetables from the Traveling Farmers Market while supplies last. The market also offers nutrition education resources and healthy eating information for families.
Note: The Traveling Farmers Market concludes July 1, while free summer meal service continues through July 31.
Upcoming Traveling Farmers Market Stops
June 10
Downey Park, 10:45–11:00 a.m.
Sonoma Park, 11:20–11:35 a.m.
Riverside Park, 11:55 a.m.–12:10 p.m.
East La Loma Park, 12:30–12:45 p.m.
Oregon Park, 1:05–1:20 p.m.
June 17
Sunrise Village, 10:45–11:00 a.m.
Pine Ridge Apartments, 11:20–11:35 a.m.
Mancini Park, 11:55 a.m.–12:10 p.m.
Roosevelt Park, 12:35–12:50 p.m.
Oregon Park, 1:05–1:20 p.m.
June 24
MJC East Campus, 10:30–11:00 a.m.
Mark Twain Park, 11:00–11:15 a.m.
Marshall Park, 11:35–11:50 a.m.
Dryden Park, 12:10–12:25 p.m.
July 1
Red Shield Center, 10:45–11:00 a.m.
Fairview Park, 11:20–11:35 a.m.
St. Salazar Park, 11:55 a.m.–12:10 p.m.
Robertson Park, 12:30–12:45 p.m.
Sharp Park, 1:05–1:20 p.m.
What Families Need to Know
Free meals are available to all children and teens ages 18 and younger.
No registration or paperwork is required.
Children must be present to receive a meal.
Meals must be eaten on-site.
Service runs through July 31, 2026.
Meal service will not be available on June 19 or July 3 due to holiday observances.
Families can learn more about meal locations, farmers' market stops, and nutrition resources at mcsnutrition.org.
