Franklin D. Roosevelt Park is one of 46 county parks where children can receive free nutritious food throughout the school year. (photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation)

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation has begun another year of offering free, healthy food as part of an effort to improve nutrition among county youth.

Under the Free Snack Program, residents 18 and younger who visit 46 county parks can receive a nutritious lunch and snack including vegetables, fruits and healthy dairy products like milk, string cheese and yogurt. Snacks are served Monday-Friday between 3-4 p.m. in a designated, enclosed area at each park. The program runs through May 24, 2024.

To qualify for the program, participating parks must service areas within the geographical boundaries of elementary, middle or high school attendance areas with at least 50% of its students eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.

For information, visit parks. lacounty.gov/snackprogram?utm_name==