Fresh produce is available at the Dolphin Food Market at Pacific Drive Elementary School in Fullerton. The food pantry serves families throughout the year, including during the summer months. (Photo courtesy of the Fullerton School District) 
Staff members prepare food and supplies for distribution at the Dolphin Food Market at Pacific Drive Elementary School. The community food pantry operates through a partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. (Photo courtesy of the Fullerton School District) 
A truck from Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County delivers food to the Dolphin Food Market at Pacific Drive Elementary School in Fullerton. (Photo courtesy of the Fullerton School District)
The Dolphin Food Market at Pacific Drive Elementary School will remain open throughout the summer, providing food and resources to families while school is out of session.
According to the Fullerton School District, the community food pantry serves approximately 125 to 140 families each week and supports between 450 and 500 individuals. The pantry is open to anyone in need, regardless of whether they have children enrolled in district schools.
Since opening in 2019, the Dolphin Food Market has partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County to provide fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, bread, cereal and other pantry staples. The program is staffed by parent volunteers and supported by district personnel who help connect families with available resources.
“Access to healthy food shouldn’t stop when school is out for the summer,” Juan Fonseca, community liaison for the district, said in a statement. “By keeping the Dolphin Food Market open, we’re able to continue supporting families, reduce food insecurity and ensure our community knows there is a place they can turn for help when they need it.”
The pantry is open by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. through July 30.
Families seeking additional summer food assistance can also access free meals at locations throughout Orange County. The California Department of Education maintains an online directory of summer meal sites, including schools, parks and community organizations offering meals to children during the summer months.
Here are the other stories we’ve been following this week:
- Many Orange County public high school students may be eligible for unclaimed CalKIDS scholarships that can help pay for college or career training expenses.
- The second annual State of the Student Forum brought together Orange County education and community leaders to discuss student achievement, well-being and school climate trends highlighted in the latest State of the Student report.
- More than 330 student artworks and film projects from schools across Orange County will be featured in the 2026 Festival of Arts Junior Art Exhibit in Laguna Beach.
- The Los Angeles Angels recognized eight eighth-grade students as recipients of $10,000 AVID scholarships, supporting their future college education and academic goals.
- The Irvine Unified School District received a $2 million contribution from Irvine Company and the Donald Bren Foundation to support arts, music and science education through the district’s Excellence in Education Enrichment program.
- The Cypress School District Board of Trustees appointed Audrey Jeans as principal of Frank Vessels Elementary School and Niccole Petersen as principal of A.E. Arnold Elementary School beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
- More than 460 Orange County students showcased problem-solving inventions through the annual ocMaker Challenge, with 37 teams earning awards for innovative prototypes designed to address real-world needs.
- Garden Grove Unified School District voted to rename Rosita Elementary School in honor of Frank and Irene Palomino, whose family helped challenge school segregation as plaintiffs in the landmark Mendez v. Westminster case.
- The Ocean View School District is exploring workforce housing projects at the former Pleasant View and Sun View elementary school sites as part of an effort to address employee housing needs and repurpose vacant properties.
- San Clemente High School, Shorecliffs Middle School and Westcliff University captured national team titles at the 2026 NSSA Interscholastic National Championships in Dana Point.
- A growing body of research highlights the academic, social and health benefits of recess, as educators and policymakers continue to examine how playtime supports student learning and well-being.
- California lawmakers approved a state budget that would provide billions of additional dollars for TK–12 education and community colleges, while negotiations with Gov. Gavin Newsom continue over several major funding issues.
This is the part where we encourage you to keep up with local education news stories by bookmarking the OCDE Newsroom, subscribing for emailed updates and following us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.