St. Mary’s County Library Launches “Summer Snacks” Program To Feed Kids Amid Funding Gap

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — As summer approaches, the St. Mary’s County Library is calling on the community to help ensure local children don’t go hungry while school is out.

For the past nine years, the library system has partnered with St. Mary’s County Public Schools to host its “Lunch at the Library” program at the Lexington Park Library, serving nearly 800 meals last summer alone. However, due to a lack of funding, the daily in-person meal program will not return in 2026.

Instead, library officials are shifting their focus to a new initiative — Summer Snacks — aimed at providing hearty, grab-and-go snacks for children throughout the summer months.

Beginning June 15 through Aug. 21, snacks will be distributed Monday through Friday at the Lexington Park Library, targeting what officials describe as the area’s highest concentration of need.

“This is where we consistently see the greatest number of children facing food insecurity during the summer,” the library noted in its campaign materials.

Community Asked To Step Up

To make the program successful, the library is asking for donations of nonperishable, individually packaged snacks. Contributions will be accepted at all library branches from May 8 through Aug. 14.

Recommended items include: granola bars, fruit cups, shelf-stable milk or juice boxes, crackers, trail mix, tuna pouches and other kid-friendly options. Allergy-conscious items and protein-rich snacks are especially encouraged.

Those wishing to donate perishable items, such as fresh fruits, vegetables or dairy, are asked to coordinate directly with library staff by emailing info@stmalib.org.

Monetary Donations And Local Partnerships

In addition to food donations, the library is also accepting monetary contributions to help purchase supplemental snacks and meals. Donations can be made through PayPal via the library’s official website: Summer Snacks Donation Page.

Library leaders are also seeking partnerships with local restaurants, caterers and food establishments willing to provide lunch for approximately 50 children and accompanying adults on select Wednesdays during the summer program.

Interested businesses can reach out to the library via email to coordinate participation.

Looking Ahead

While the program is currently centered at the Lexington Park branch, officials say there is potential to expand snack distribution to other library locations if donations exceed expectations.

“Many families have come to rely on this program,” the library noted. “If we receive enough support, we hope to extend snack availability to additional branches during or after children’s programming.”

With school cafeterias closed for the summer, the initiative aims to bridge a critical gap — ensuring children in St. Mary’s County continue to have access to food, even when classes are not in session.

Community members interested in contributing are encouraged to donate, partner or spread the word to help make the Summer Snacks program a success.

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