1. California Library Association & California Summer Meal CoalitionLU
California Library Association &
California Summer Meal Coalition

2. Intentional Programming
Moving beyond the basics…
If you have already decided to host the Summer Meal program, or have been hosting, you may already know that this is a great and natural choice for a library.
Overall increase in participation: It will help increase awareness regarding your already established Summer Reading Program, and, in general and you should see a spike in overall participation
Natural audience: Libraries have a long history of serving our most vulnerable populations. This program specifically targets families that are below the poverty line. Studies indicate that children who lack enrichment during summer loose up to 2 months of learning. Many of our most underprivileged youth will never catch up.
Feed the body and mind: Studies show that children perform better educationally with a full stomach. This leads us to the great opportunity of combing programming with meals for a more comprehensive approach to combatting the Summer Learning Slide. Which is also a really great way to sell the program to people who may be reluctant to support it.
Lunch at the Library
February 2nd, 2017

3. The Basics
Standard Summer Programming timed to coincide with meal service.
Before, during, after lunch
Musicians, clowns, magic, storytellers…
Challenges
Staff
Space
Time
Measuring results
The easiest way to incorporate programming into Summer Meals is to schedule existing programming before, during or after lunch. When starting a Summer Meals program, this is probably the best and safest way to ensure success in numbers. The great and logical benefit of this model is that children and teens attending a program may be exposed to the lunch program and most importantly, that those coming in for a meal will be able to experience an enriching opportunity. This works and many libraries focus on programming for Summer Meals in this way although it may be argued that it may be more serendipitous than intentional.
However; over 10 years of experience with Lunch at the Library programming has revealed some pretty significant challenges with this model:
Staff: Summer Meal time takes place at a time of day when many libraries are sending staff to lunch. If programming takes place before or after lunch, it creates a 2-3 hour block of time where staffing may be limited.
Space: Many libraries lack the space to run an effective meal service and program without having to reset tables and chairs.
Time: When having to reset tables and chairs, it may be difficult to keep audience engaged. A minute delay can mean loosing a captive audience.
Measuring Results: As libraries move towards outcomes based programming models, it becomes challenging to gain results from our standard set of programs. How do we know that kids attending the Summer Meal program and associated programming are gaining or maintaining learning? It is difficult to measure.
Lunch at the Library
February 2nd, 2017

4. in·ten·tion·al /in’ten(t)SH(ə)n(ə)l/ Adjective
Done on purpose; deliberate.
Synonyms: deliberate, calculated, intended, planned, meant, studied, knowing, willful, purposeful…
-Google Dictionary
Let’s consider what “Intentional” means: Done on purpose; deliberate.
Synonyms: deliberate, calculated, intended, planned, meant, studied, knowing, willful, purposeful…
For us, moving beyond the basics means being more intentional in our approach to Summer Meals and realted programing.
Lunch at the Library
February 2nd, 2017

5. Consider: Desired Outcomes
What are we trying to measure?
More Summer Reading Sign Ups
Teen Engagement
Increased knowledge of healthy lifestyles
Decreased Summer learning loss
Increased awareness of available services for families and adults
Etc.
The best place to start planning intentional programs relating to Summer Meals is to consider the desired outcome. What is the library trying to achieve?
More Summer Reading Sign ups
Teen Engagement
Increased knowledge of a healthy lifestyle
Decreased Summer Learning loss
Increased awareness of available services for families and adults
Etc.
Lunch at the Library
February 2nd, 2017

6. Consider: Resources
Who can we partner with? Shared mission and vision.
The library as partner
Perhaps you have a budget that will allow you to develop and implement a program you have envisioned. Or…. like most effective library programming, you don’t have to do it alone. There may be an organization out there that can provide a plug and play option.
Consider this: Summer Meals programming targets our most vulnerable populations. To qualify, a site must be located in an area that has over 50% of youth qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Many non-profit or government agencies are targeting the same population. You are an attractive partner because you are pulling this audience together. They want to reach those families you are already serving. This is programming gold!
Partners may include: Government and non-profit health organizations, First 5, CalFresh, WIC, etc…
Some locations do not qualify for meal service. However, the library can still be a valuable partner in meal service. Consider tis:
-Bring your reading program to a meal site
-Plan programming to compliment a neighboring meal site
Lunch at the Library
February 2nd, 2017

7. Real World Application
Increased Summer Reading Numbers
Capture the data
In general, people who do not usually use the library may be encouraged to come in because of the meal program. This allows you to market your reading program to a new audience. Remember to find a way to capture this data.
Ideas: Print reading log on a different colored paper, ask on the online registration, run a program just for summer meals, etc…
Lunch at the Library
February 2nd, 2017

8. Real World Application
Teen Engagement
Increase volunteer engagement and advocacy
Mentorship
Job readiness: commitment, work place training, food handlers license
They can participate
Teens volunteer opportunities and Summer Meals service are an easy win. It is very common and, more often than not, Libraries turn to teens for daily meal service.
This is a great opportunity to make teen volunteer service more meaningful.
Benefits:
Increase volunteer engagement and advocacy
Mentorship
Job readiness: commitment, work place training, food handlers license
They may also be participants
Lunch at the Library
February 2nd, 2017

9. Real World Application
Increased knowledge of healthy lifestyle
Nutrition Class: How many calories in a salad vs Takis?
Instant Recess/Rockin’ Recess/Kidz Zumba
Eat Green Think Green
Adult Nutrition Education Classes in a language other than English
Nutrition Class: How many calories in a salad vs Takis?
Class offered right before lunch at the Lincoln Acres Library in National City, CA. Partner: UC Cooperative Extension
Instant Recess/Rockin’ Recess/Kidz Zumba
Offered throughout San Diego County Library. Partners: HHSA and others. HHSA offered staff training and purchased recess equipment. Easy, quick and fun fitness activities. Some activities allow for small space. Kids can stand up where they are seated and participate or activities can be encouraged while waiting in line. Contact: Anna Hartman
Eat Green Think Green Lessons: Lincoln Acres. Kids learn how food is grown and used to make food. Partner: Olivewood Garden
Adult Nutrition Education Classes in a language other than English: Partner: UC Cooperative Extension
Lunch at the Library
February 2nd, 2017

10. Real World Application
Decreased Summer Learning Loss
App Academy
Access to technology
Self-Directed
This one may cost a little bit of money, but it is a great way to provide a low-staff self-directed learning program.
Apps are pre-screened and pre-loaded.
They are a fun way to fool kids into learning activities: Match, science, language arts…
They can share
They can be used immediately after a child finishes lunch within the lunch room
You can load the same app on multiple iPad’s (10 per Apple ID)
Many schools are providing middle school and high school students with IPad/laptops. This is a great way to get kids started learning on similar devices.
Lunch at the Library
February 2nd, 2017

11. Real World Application
Increased awareness of available services for families and adults
Invite partners to provide parent/caregiver presentations
Most of you are facing the same issue, adults may not participate in meal time. This may be an opportunity to engage parents in another way. Many non-profit/government agencies would LOVE to present to parents/caregivers of children who are receiving free and reduced lunch. This is due to the fact that these families may qualify for other services. Your audience is an outreach persons dream.
Ideas:
Electric company-reduced service costs for families below poverty level
CalFresh-Food vouchers including Farmer’s Market
Health Clinics-Dental screening, developmental screenings, cancer screenings, etc…
Lunch at the Library
February 2nd, 2017

12. Even more ideas… CLA Lunch at the Library: Programming Page
50+ program ideas
Lunch at the Library
February 2nd, 2017

13. CONTACT Angelica Fortin: afortin@prcity.com
Lunch at the Library is funded by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. It is a project of the California Library Association and California Summer Meal Coalition, supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. The Summer Food Service Program is a program of the United States Department of Agriculture, administered in California by the California Department of Education.
Lunch at the Library
February 2nd, 2017