Bakersfield, CA (October 31, 2025) – For many children and teens, school lunch is often the last full meal of the day. After-school meal programs help fill that critical gap by ensuring young people have access to the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive—both in and out of the classroom. Through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County’s Nutrition Program, children and teens ages 18 and younger can continue to eat healthy meals, including supper and a snack, after school at no cost. Children do not have to be classified as economically disadvantaged to participate; there is no paperwork to complete.  The free meals program is intended to help bridge the gap for children who are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity after school.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, millions of children nationwide rely on free or reduced-price school meals during the day. However, when the school day ends, many students go home to empty refrigerators or parents still at work. After-school meal programs provide a reliable, healthy meal that supports working families, reduces food insecurity, and helps youth stay engaged in safe, structured activities during critical after-school hours.

The Club also offers opportunities such as reading and recreational activities. “We call them enrichment activities,” said Chelsea Dow, Nutrition Coordinator at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County. “They support our goal of helping kids eat well, stay active, and live healthy lives in a fun, engaging way.”

Meals will be served Monday to Friday (except holidays) at the sites listed below.

Children are required to eat the meals on site.

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Armstrong Youth Center

801 Niles Street

Bakersfield, CA 93305

Supper (3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

Snack (5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

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David Head Center

10300 San Diego Street

Lamont, CA 93241

Supper (2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.)

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 Lamont Club 

8301 Segrue Road

Lamont, CA 93241

Snack (2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

Supper (4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

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Riverview Southern Baptist Church

410 Beardsley Avenue

Bakersfield, CA 93308

Supper (2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.)

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Stockdale Club

5207 Young Street, Ste. 200

Bakersfield, CA 93311

Supper (3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

Snack (5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

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Wasco PAL

1276 Birch Avenue

Wasco, CA 93280

Supper (3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County does not discriminate against any person because of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. www.bgckc.org/nutrition