Three Cobb County Libraries hosting Summer Food Service Program 2023

a group of young children sitting at a table together smiling and eating bagged lunches
June 2, 2023

Happy Helpings, Georgia’s Summer Food Service Program, will provide free meals to children free of charge in three Cobb County public libraries weekdays in June and July.

Cobb County Public Library and Georgia Educational Resources Inc. (GER) are teaming up for the fourth year to provide summer meal service. Happy Helpings is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. The program for summer break 2023 will be sit down breakfast and lunch meals unlike last year’s drive-through service in library parking lots.

The meals will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last on the following locations and dates, excluding the week July 3-7:

  • Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays on June 5-July 28, breakfast 10 am-10:30 am, lunch 11:30 am to noon: North Cobb Regional Library, 3535 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw 30144. 770-801-5320
  • Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays on June 5-July 28, breakfast 10 am-10:30 am, lunch 11:30 am-noon: South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road, Mableton 30126. 678-398-5828
  • Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays on June 6-July 27, breakfast 10 am to 10:30 am, lunch 11:30 am-12:15 pm: Charles D. Switzer Library, 266 Roswell Street, Marietta 30060. 770-528-2320.

Prepared by a local county-inspected commercial kitchen, the meals are free for children ages 18 and younger. Adults 19 years and older who are enrolled in school programs for persons with disabilities will also receive meals. Parents and caregivers must remain with the children during the meals.

Last year, CCPL and GER provided 26,950 meals to 1,925 children through a drive-through service at libraries.

“It is difficult to learn, concentrate, or even have the energy to play when you’re hungry,” said Terri Tresp, Division Director of Branch Services. “The Happy Helpings program provides nutritious meals and snacks to children that can improve their summer experience. The library is very grateful to once again partner with GER to provide this vital community service.”

For information on the Happy Helpings program and children’s food insecurity in Georgia, visit www.happyhelpingsga.com.  

For information on Cobb County Public Library summer programs and activities, visit www.cobbcat.org.