Ventura County School Districts Step Up to Feed Kids Over Holiday Break

For many students in Oxnard and Fillmore, school is the only place they can count on for a steady meal. Recognizing that food insecurity does not take a holiday, local school districts launched major initiatives this winter to ensure no child went hungry while classes were out of session. From free farmer’s markets to hot lunches at the local Boys and Girls Club, the effort has provided a vital safety net for thousands of families across Ventura County.

Oxnard School District Launches Free Farmer’s Markets

The Oxnard School District hosted several free farmer’s markets at sites like Fremont Academy during the winter break. These events allowed parents to pick up fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables that have seen sharp price increases recently. For families like the Herreras, who have three children and were facing seasonal job closures, these markets were a lifesaver. Yvanna Herrera noted that even with two incomes, the rising cost of groceries makes it difficult to keep a healthy kitchen during the holidays.

According to data from EdSource, every single school in the Oxnard School District has more than half of its students meeting the federal eligibility requirements for free or reduced price meals. This high level of need has prompted the district to treat nutrition as a year round responsibility. Parent liaisons like Karina Lopez emphasized that the goal is to make the process stress free for families so they can focus on enjoying the holiday season without the weight of food insecurity.

Fillmore Unified Delivers Hundreds of Hot Meals Daily

Further east, the Fillmore Unified School District took a different approach by providing hot, prepared meals throughout the break. Barbara Vazquez, the director of child nutrition services, reported that the district served well over 500 meals every single day during the vacation. These meals were distributed at Mountain Vista Elementary School and Piru Elementary, as well as community hubs like the Boys and Girls Club.

For parents like Julia Patino, the availability of a warm meal at the school cafeteria was a significant help. She noted that with three growing children constantly wanting to eat, the cost of filling the pantry over a long break can be overwhelming. By providing these meals in a central location, the district was able to support the mental and physical well being of its students, ensuring they were ready to return to the classroom in January.

A Community Effort to Combat Hunger

The success of these programs is the result of strong community partnerships. Organizations like Many Mansions and local agricultural groups worked alongside school staff to facilitate the distribution of food. As the 2025-2026 school year continues, Ventura County districts remain committed to the California Universal Meals program, which offers free breakfast and lunch to all students regardless of income.

The holiday feeding programs in Oxnard and Fillmore serve as a powerful reminder of the role schools play as anchors in the community. By addressing the basic needs of their students outside of school hours, these districts are helping to build a more resilient and healthy future for all Ventura County residents.