Summer Eats
Boston Summer Eats provides nutritious breakfast and lunch at no cost at over 100 sites across the City. All youth 18 and under are eligible. No ID or registration required.
The Summer 2023 program runs June 26, 2023 to September 1, 2023. Each site has a different start and end date. See the list below for start and end dates, hours, locations and meals provided.
Click here for access to a map of all sites in Boston and across the state.
Note: sites are being added to the map each week, so check back through early July to find the site closest to you!
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.
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FIND SITES WITH YOUR PHONE To find meal locations by phone, you can call 1-800-645-8333.
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Kids Eat Free Flyer:
Summer Eats Locations
About the Program
- BACKGROUND: The Boston Summer Eats program is a partnership of the Office of Food Justice with:
- Project Bread
- YMCA of Greater Boston
- Boston Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services
- MEAL SITES INCLUDE:
- BCYF and YMCA community centers
- BPS schools
- BHA Properties
- Libraries, farmers markets and community based organizations
Program frequently asked questions
FAQsSee the above table or click here for access to a map of all sites in Boston and across the state. Note: sites are being added to the map each week, so check back through early July to find the site closest to you!
Sites are available 7 days a week, but vary based on the site. Some sites offer both breakfast and lunch, while others only offer lunch. Some offer a snack as well.
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.
Nope! At all Summer Eats sites listed in the map above, kids and teens can just show up and receive a free meal! No one will check an ID or ask any questions.
Activities will vary based on the site. More information about activities will be added later in the summer. To find out more about activities at a particular site, contact the organization who operates the site you would like to attend.
No, due to federal regulations, caregivers are not permitted to pick up meals for children and take them home. Meals must be consumed on site with the child present.
No, due to federal regulations, caregivers are not permitted to pick up meals for children and take them home. Meals must be consumed on site with the child present.
Provider frequently asked questions
Provider FAQsApplications to become a meal site sponsor have closed for summer 2023. If you are interested in learning how to become a sponsor in the future, you can find more information here.
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.
