The city of Boston is rolling out its Summer Eats program for 2025, ensuring that the region's youth have access to free nutritious meals throughout the summer. The collaborative initiative, featuring more than 30 sites citywide, is set to provide sustenance to children and teens until the end of August, filling a critical need when schools, a primary source of meals for many, are closed.
With partners that include the Mayor's Office of Food Justice (OFJ), Boston Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services, Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), the YMCA of Greater Boston, and Project Bread, the program aims to strategically bridge the gap in food access. In a statement obtained by boston.gov, Mayor Michelle Wu emphasized, "In Boston, we believe in taking every possible step for access to fresh, healthy food." She continued, "The Boston Summer Eats program ensures our young people get nutritious food even when school isn't in session."
The initiative will kick off with a festive event tomorrow at Paris Street Playground in East Boston, featuring music, entertainment, and activities to get the word out about the program. According to boston.gov, no registration or ID is required to get meals from the many locations operating this summer, which include spaces like libraries, parks, and youth organizations.
David Shapiro, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston, told boston.gov, "Summer Eats is more than a meal and nutrition program — it's a gateway to belonging, a warm welcome into a caring community, and a chance for every child to feel supported, connected, and valued no matter the time of year." The widespread community effort also encompasses SUN Bucks, a summer grocery benefit providing $120 per child to assist families with food purchases while school is out.
Erin McAleer, President & CEO of Project Bread described the Summer Eats program as "a vital investment in our children's futures," and remarked on the essential value of feeding children at no cost during the summer months. Residents can find free meals for youth under 18 at a variety of participating locations, which are listed on the city's website. For those seeking more information, Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline provides additional details about locations across Massachusetts.
