Lunch at the Library Summer 2026

The Lunch at the Library program is a statewide initiative administered by the California State Library with support from the State of California. It was originally developed by the California Library Association and the California Summer Meal Coalition with additional support from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. The program is designed to strengthen the role of public libraries in serving as community hubs during the summer months by supporting libraries in offering free meals and enrichment opportunities for children and youth. By connecting libraries to the U.S. Department of Agriculture summer meal program, the initiative helps to reduce food insecurity and promote educational engagement during the summer break. The purpose of the grant is to enable California public libraries to participate as USDA summer meal sites or to provide library services at existing USDA community meal locations. The program not only supports the provision of meals but also emphasizes wraparound services such as literacy activities, learning opportunities, food education, and community connections. By situating meal distribution alongside enrichment programming, the initiative supports both nutrition and educational goals, recognizing the need for holistic community development. Funding provided through this grant must be used according to specific guidelines. Libraries can request funds for costs related to program delivery, staff time, educational activities, and allowable materials. However, unallowable costs include food and refreshments except when used in nutrition education programs, performers for entertainment, fundraising activities, land or building purchases, non-educational social events, cash prizes, giveaways, and lobbying activities. Notably, payments to interns for project-related work are allowed as wages, while scholarships related to workforce development or educational programming are also allowable under the services budget category. Eligibility is limited to California public libraries. All eligible applications will receive funding, with award amounts based on previous program outputs for returning grantees and the scope of proposed plans for new applicants. Because the program distributes funding among all participating libraries, award sizes may vary and are determined after review by the California State Library. All grantees are required to collect program data, administer standardized surveys, and submit financial and narrative reports that document both expenditures and program outcomes. The application process requires submission of plans for Summer 2026, including details such as the number of library meal sites, expected service days and weeks, and intentions to provide pop-up services at community meal locations. Applications are submitted through AmpliFund and must include a line-item budget with clear descriptions of requested grant funds and cash match or in-kind contributions. Applicants are encouraged to use the provided Application Instructions and Grant Award Budget planning form. Several support opportunities are available, including an information session and application office hours in September and October 2025. The timeline for the Summer 2026 grant cycle begins with the opening of the application period on September 15, 2025. Applications must be submitted by November 5, 2025, at noon. Award amounts will be confirmed in December 2025, with notifications sent in January 2026. The project period will run from February 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027. Grantees must acknowledge the California State Library and the State of California in all program-related materials. For questions, applicants are directed to contact the Lunch at the Library team at lunch@library.ca.gov.

Applicants encouraged to review Application Instructions, attend information session, and join office hours for support