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Date: 6/30/2021
WESTFIELD – The Westfield Food Services Department launched its Westfield Eats summer program on June 21 and encourages those who are in need of a meal to take advantage of the weekday offerings.
Michael McGuinness and Brian Bates, both employees of the Westfield School Department, relish the time they spend distributing meals to area residents of all ages. On the late morning of June 23, both men had a food truck parked outside of the Westfield Athenaeum that contained several coolers of cold and hot foods.
Food offerings on June 23 included peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and yogurt, as well as French toast sticks with sausage. Persons requesting a meal do not have to show an ID.
McGuinness and Bates are on a tight schedule weekdays, starting at Stanley Park at the playground next to the pavilion from 11 to 11:30 a.m., and then to the Athenaeum from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., followed by a visit to the Full Gospel Church at 110 Union St. from 12:30 to 1 p.m.
“Kids light up my day,” said Bates, adding that all meals are available for both adults and young people.
McGuinness shared a similar sentiment.
“I enjoy this job because I like talking to people,” he said.
During this month, food offerings have ranged from chicken nuggets and mashed potatoes, hot dogs and vegetable cups, and Mac and cheese, to a pizza lunchable with vegetable cup and cheeseburgers with potato chips.
The summer menu offerings can be viewed at the Our Westfield Eats Facebook page and on the Westfield Public Schools website. The website notes that while the menus are nut free, the bread is made in a facility that processes products with sesame seeds. Persons with allergies are asked to tell the servers when picking up a meal.
In addition to the food truck drop-off sites, drive-thru options include the Middle School and Franklin Avenue School from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
For more information on the grab-and-go Westfield Eats meals, call the Food Services Department at 572-6493.
“There are no questions asked,” said Bates, adding, “If someone needs a meal we are here to hand them out.”
The program runs weekdays through Aug. 20, however, no service will be provided July 5.
“We will be doing up to 2,000 meals a day which includes breakfasts and lunches,” said Rachel Kania, food services director.