Come With Me to a Summer Eats Site

I had never been to a Summer Eats site before, so I was eager to check out Waltham’s Summer Eats Kickoff with my coworker Nora. Summer Eats is a program that provides free meals to all kids and teens, ages 18 and under, at locations throughout Massachusetts during the summer months. Simply put, Summer Eats is iconic. The skies were blue and the sun shone brightly on a late June day.

The music was blasting, and I could feel the palpable energy even from a block away. Upon getting to the site, it was like a carnival. Cities across Massachusetts host kickoff events to get the Summer Eats season started. After the kickoff, many sites have activities or special events throughout the summer to keep kids entertained.
 

According to Isabella, a kid who attended Summer Eats with the Waltham Boys and Girls Club, she enjoyed going because of the community and the friendships she formed. Adrian, another member of the Waltham Boys and Girls Club, echoed her sentiments.

“It’s about the community…it’s impactful when kids don’t have to worry about food. They can worry about just becoming the best version of themselves,” said Jason Smith, assistant director of the Waltham Boys and Girls Club. “Now, how can they become the best version of themselves if they’re worrying about food insecurity? That’s one thing we want to limit. That way they can focus on becoming a great student, becoming a great athlete, becoming a great human being, without worrying where my next meal is going to come from.”

Furthermore, parents were energized by Summer Eats: going to Summer Eats to get a meal for your kid is so easy. All you have to do is show up; no one will ask you for your registration or ID.

I flew over to Witch City next to check out their Summer Eats Kickoff, which took place just outside of downtown Salem. It was a sweltering day, and kids played in splash pads to keep cool. Luckily, the trees and tents provided shade.

“[It’s] hot but fun. There’s a good turnout. The splash pad helps, and there are activities. The face paint was a big one, to be honest,” said Lis S., who brought her kids to enjoy some summer fun.

Summer Eats truly embodies the spirit of community, providing not just nutritious meals that are integral to a kid's wellbeing, but also a space for children and families to come together and enjoy summer fun.

Whether it’s the vibrant energy at the Waltham kickoff or the creative activities in Salem, it’s clear that these events bring delicious food for fuel, joy, and connection to everyone involved.

If you want to join in on the fun and ensure your kids have access to free meals and enjoyable activities this summer, I encourage you to find a Summer Eats site near you. It's as easy as finding a site on the map and simply showing up to reap all the benefits.