Jeff Bridges entices kids to a free summer lunch following program decline

For years, the Foodbank Santa Barbara has teamed up with the Santa Barbara School District to offer kids breakfast and lunch during the summer. However, this year, following President Trump’s threats of ICE raids, fewer kids have been taking advantage of the program.

Actor Jeff Bridges is the national spokesperson for the No Kid Hungry program and an advocate for the free lunch program. He was at a local park this week to raise awareness for the program.

“It’s not a matter of not having enough food or enough money, or knowing how,” said Bridges of his 30 years working to alleviate childhood hunger. “It’s a that we’re lacking the political will.”

There are 30 locations in parks and housing complexes countywide where kids can eat without showing any personal documentation that might give away their identity or immigration status.

Jeff Bridges welcomes kids to lunch at a local Santa Barbara park. Photo credit: Carolina Starin