This fall, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation brings its Free Snack Program to 46 L.A. County Parks, including Val Verde, beginning  on Tuesday, Sept. 5 and conclude May 24. Children 18 and younger are invited to receive a nutritious lunch and snack that includes vegetables, fruits, and healthy dairy products like milk, string cheese and yogurt.

Snacks are served Monday through Friday, between the hours of 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Snacks will be served congregate style at a designated enclosed area for each park location.

Please note that there will be no lunch and snack on County observed holidays.

Created to help reduce the growing percentage of young people in the United States challenged by obesity or lack of consistent access to wholesome meals, the program aims to provide a healthy alternative for children when school is out for the summer.

For participating parks to qualify for the program, they must service areas within the geographical boundaries of elementary, middle or high school attendance area with at least 50% of its students eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.

To locate a free snack site at an L.A. County Park near you, please visit Free Snack Program.