Valley View News
- May 8, 2021
- 2 min read

Nutritious Life has meal distribution sites for kids and teens

LOS ANGELES, CA - COVID-19 school closures made it difficult for many parents to feed their kids. A lot of children normally get balanced meals at school. So, Nutritious Life started meal distribution sites in Los Angeles for kids and teens so they could continue to get healthy meals.

Photo, Ava Lange

Nationwide nearly 22 million low-income students rely on school meals for nutrition. For some, the school meal is their most nutritious of the day.

Courtney Lockridge, the Director of Nutrition Services at Nutritious Life says, “We fill the gap during the time that school is out. Nutritious Life is a summer food program through the California Department of Education.”

The meals are prepared and delivered by food vendors whom meet strict USDA guidelines. Lunches and supper consist of two ounces of protein, two servings of fruits and vegetables, one serving of bread and eight ounces of milk. Breakfast includes one serving of fruit or vegetables, one serving of bread and eight ounces of milk.

Lockridge also says, “Some parents are out of jobs or they weren’t able to pay their rent. At least I know that we were able to keep food on the table for the kids.”

Since the pandemic hit in March of last year, Nutritious Life has fed more than 2.5 million kids. Families can pick up free meals for children under eighteen. Information for pick up hours and locations are found at NutritiousLife.org

Maria Emmata Florez, the Director of Compliance at Nutritious Life says, “We usually serve breakfast and lunch. So, it’s a full meal. The kids get fruits, protein, grains, vegetables, milk. They get everything.”

These are challenging times and Nutritious Life wants the public to know that they are there to support families in the Los Angeles community during school closures. To ensure students have access to healthy breakfasts and lunches, Nutritious Life, a ThruGuidance Program, is accepting application for schools, churches, or organizations to become meal distribution sites. As a distribution site a safe place will be provided for parents to pick up free meals for the children in their households.