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Date: 7/18/2023
EASTHAMPTON — As the school year concluded, the Easthampton Public Schools Food Service Department rolled out the Summer Eats Program, offering free lunch to children and teenagers up to 18.
Launched July 5, the program runs until Aug. 18, ensuring no child in the community is hungry during the summer break. Mill Side Park, located at 2 Ferry St., will serve as one of the main meal sites, providing free lunches Monday through Friday between 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.
Under the Summer Eats Program, participants are required to show up at the designated sites and times to receive a nutritious lunch. Also, diners must eat their meals on-site. Severe weather conditions may temporarily close the location.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, when schools are out for the summer, millions of children across the country face a food insecurity risk.
On average, 14 million children in the U.S. experience hunger, with many dependent on school meals as a primary source of nutrition during the academic year.
The absence of these meals during summer vacation can exacerbate the problem, leaving many vulnerable children without access to adequate nutrition.
Like many other states, Massachusetts has been impacted by this issue. According to a Feeding American study, around 13-14% of households in Massachusetts households faced food insecurity, with 1 in 7 individuals struggling to afford nutritious meals.
Among children, the rate was even higher, with approximately 17.9% experiencing food insecurity. The statistics highlight the urgent need for programs like Summer Eats to bridge the nutritional gap during the summer months.
Understanding the importance of addressing food insecurity, the Easthampton Public Schools Food Service Department strives to provide a solution through the 2023 Summer Eats Program.
By offering free lunches to all children and teens aged 18 and under, the program strives to alleviate hunger and ensure that younger residents get adequate nutrition in the summer.
While Easthampton residents can take advantage of the Mill Side Park site, the Summer Eats Program extends beyond the area, featuring various other meal sites across Massachusetts.
For additional nearby locations, visit the official Summer Eats website at https://projectbread.org/summereats. For further information, Ken LePage, the food service director, can be reached at 413-821-4144.