Last updated:

Summer Eats

Boston Summer Eats provides nutritious breakfast and lunch at no cost to youth 18 and under. No ID or registration required.

UPDATE: The 2023 summer program has not started yet. We will update this website with information later in the spring. If you are an organization interested in being a meal site this summer, please apply below


The Boston Summer Eats program is co-implemented by the Mayor's Office of Food Justice, Boston Public Schools and Nutrition Services, The Greater Boston YMCA and Project Bread. The program provides free nutritious meals to youth aged 18 and under.

The Summer Eats program is an innovative effort to lessen the summer food gap by increasing the availability of non-traditional meal sites. The goal of the program is to expand access to free and healthy meals for kids and teens in Boston.

We are looking for organizations to become meal sites for the summer. Organizations should complete the online form if interested in becoming a meal site. If you have questions or want to learn more about the program, email SFSP@ymcaboston.org.

Boston Eats Meal Site Applications

Program frequently asked questions

FAQs

Updated information will come Spring 2023

No. Meals are provided at no cost. And no paperwork or ID is required to receive meals. 

Meals are provided on a first-come first-serve basis.

Each meal follows the USDA guideline for meal patterns.

  • Breakfast consists of: milk, fruit/vegetable, and grains/bread.
  • Lunch or suppers consist of: milk, fruits/vegetables, grains/bread, and meat/meat alternate.
  • Snack consists of: milk, fruit and/or vegetable, grains/bread, meat/meat alternate.

Updated information to come Spring 2023

Updated information will come Spring 2023

Provider frequently asked questions

Provider FAQs

Submit this form if you are interested in being a meal site for Boston Summer Meals. Please contact SFSP@ymcaboston.org if you have any questions.

Any organization can be a meal site host! Previous partners have included the Parks Department, Boston Public Libraries, faith-based organizations.

We have possible funding for organizations who need extra support. Funds can go towards hiring additional staff or equipment. Grant funding amount will depend on the estimated number of meals you will distribute and the number of days/hours you will be operating for.

No, this is up to you and your staff to decide. Sites can choose to be open as many days from Monday - Saturday between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Back to top