1. Chula Vista Public Library Lunch @ the Library or A Three Year Journey of Discovery..

2. About Chula Vista Civic Center Library (91910) West/Older Median Household Income $54,288 Median Age35 Under 18 years25% of 91910 Household size2.87 South Chula Vista (91911)West/Older Median Household Income$50,186 Median Age33 Under 18 years28% of 91911 population Household size3.36 Otay Ranch (91913-5) East/New Median Household Income$94,564 Median Age32 Under 18 years32% of 91913-5 Household size3.45

3. Lunch Program is kept “Westside” Two city-owned library branches and income levels are lower Civic Center Library South Chula Vista Library

4. Otay Ranch Library

5. Three Years of Serving Lunches Started in 2013. Partnered with Chula Vista Elementary School District Lunches served at two locations Learning “on the job” situation Lunches also served at nearby City Recreation Centers

6. Early Challenges Space & Staff Carpet ( spills, dropped food ) Refrigerator ( milk must be served cold ) Access ( is area be easily located?) Restroom location ( kids can’t leave area with food ) Storage ( sporks, napkins, clean up supplies ) Power outlet ( needed for food served hot ) Staff ( are they on board?)

7. Remedies Nothing is insurmountable! Got carpet? We got sticky drop cloths!

8. Remedies Need a refrigerator? Many conference rooms have refreshment corners

9. Remedies Still no refrigerator? www.rentafridge.com (American Appliance Rental) $32 a month for a 20 cubic foot fridge. Or use a local company ( San Diego – ASAP Rentals, Rent-A-Center)

10. Remedies Restrooms, Storage, Access/Location When you can’t change the layout – Add additional signage Add additional volunteers or staff Use book carts/as storage Folding tables can be used anywhere Look again at what you already have

11. Remedies Staff opposition “I don’t work in the library to be a cafeteria server..” “Too many other things to do!” “What if someone gets sick/burned/is allergic?” Food handlers certification, a good partner, and a demonstrated commitment to the program helps.

12. Year Two - How the Lunch Program Looked @ Civic Library Held in the library’s conference room (Capacity 26) One Associate oversees a team of teen volunteers/Library Aides (4) which changed each day One person (Associate/Aide) with Food Handlers Certification always on duty Ran while SRP was taking place. SRP activities ran immediately before/after the lunch sessions Staff complaints about CVESD audits Parent complaints about food waste and rules

13. CIVIC LIBRARY LAYOUT Seating for 26, convenient to restrooms, right by the entrance. Tight space, lunch participants would slip out without engaging with the library.

14. Year Two – Ho w the Program Looked at South Library Held in the multipurpose room – seats 50 One Aide oversees a small crew of student volunteers (6) which remains the same for the duration of the program The Aide holds the Food Handlers Certification Ran while SRP was in progress but also while Kindergarten BootCamp was in session (one week) Few staff complaints Similar complaints from the parents concerning food waste

15. SOUTH LIBRARY LAYOUT Seating for 50, with a large kitchenette – but far from the main entrance. Staff had to make announcements to advertise the program. Participants did remain in the library to attend programs.

16. Year Two Summary CVESD is on a year round Calendar – kids break in early June and return in July. Over 2051 lunches served @ two branches 15 days of lunch operation (12 noon) Didn’t record number of snacks (3 pm) Three straight weeks in June during SRP Yoga, Wild Wonders, Story times, Bird Feeder craft, Pet Rocks craft, Storyteller Marilyn, Krypton Yvonne, and KBC were some of the activities offered.

17. Year Three (aka “Much Better!”) Stipend from the California Summer Meal Coalition to provide incentives Held nutrition focused programs in the lunch area This time we serve 2313 lunches and record 1125 snacks The program runs for 23 days (8 days more) We find we can run the program with slightly fewer staff (on average 3 at each location)

18. Getting that “Welcome” Feeling Cover tables with paper on a roll – easy clean up and the kids like to doodle!

19. “Claim” the Space Staff wrote welcome messages, posted participant’s artwork, winning entries etc., and we made sure nothing was removed.

20. Remember the Parent Parents brought the kids to the library – but were not allowed to eat the food provided by CVESD. We got a secondary sponsor to provide healthy snacks for the adults. Parents eating healthy foods with their kids model good habits and it slows the pace down.

21. We’re about Reading, right? Put out books! Consider all ages and genders Donations are a good resource Accept reading materials may “walk” Have library card applications on hand Use this as an opportunity to promote reading, form new relationships, promote the library

22. On Tables, Bookshelves, or Displayed “ More National Geographic please” (survey comment )

23. The Power of Healthy Competition Creating an incentive based program works well – or bring SRP to the lunch participants Chula Vista used printouts from a nutritional program Nourish Interactive as worksheets and competition entries A draw would occur 2-3 times a week for a small, activity toy (ball, skittles, beach games) www.nourishinteractive.com (free printables) www.nourishinteractive.com