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 2022 summer program has ended! We'll update this website with information for summer 2023 in the spring.
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.
Waivers passed now allow parents and guardians to pick up meals for youth under a "Grab and Go" model! Sites designated as Grab and Go have more meals available to accommodate more families and youth.
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, call 617-635-3717 or email food@boston.gov.
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Find sites with your phoneTo find meal locations by phone, you can call 1-800-645-8333. You can also text "Food" or "Comida" to 304-304.
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Be sure to use the hashtag #BostonEats and #BOSFoodAccess
About the program
The Boston Summer Eats program is led by the Mayor’s Office of Food Justice in partnership with:
- Project Bread
- the Greater Boston YMCA, and
- Boston Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services.
The program is funded by Share Our Strength and the City of Boston. The program provides free, nutritious meals to youth aged 18 and under.
- YMCA community centers
- Boston Housing Authority properties
- Boston Centers for Youth & Families locations
- Boston Public Schools, and
- Community-based organizations.
Program frequently asked questions
FAQs- Meals are available at many locations throughout the City! Check out our list for locations.
- The 2022 Summer Eats program will look similar to how it did before the pandemic. This means there are no “grab and go” options available at sites. Youth are strongly encouraged to eat on site.
- Meals are available throughout the day at different times. Times and hours will vary based on the location. Check out our "map list" for detailed information on location and hours.
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.
We can accommodate most allergens. If you have specific allergen concerns, please contact emanandhar@ymcaboston.org.
Each site will offer activities for youth while they eat. Activities range from games to educational information. Ask your site what activities they have.
Provider frequently asked questions
Provider FAQsSubmit this form if you are interested in being a meal site for Boston Summer Meals.
Please contact Eilisha Manandhar at emanandhar@ymcaboston.org if you have any questions.
Sites will have to cover for a staff member to receive and distribute the food.
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.
