MetroWest YMCA and Partners Kick-off Expanded Summer Eats Food Distribution Program with Free Event

June 17, 2024. FRAMINGHAM, MA. The MetroWest YMCA, along with its partners, Project Bread, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Discovering Hidden Gems, ATAC, A Place to Turn, and the Framingham Department of Parks and Recreation, will kick off the Summer Eats Program with a free event and cook-out at Amazing Things Arts Center (ATAC) in Framingham, on Tuesday, June 18th from 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM. The event will include a free meal, activities for kids, sports, games, crafts, and fun for all ages.

The Summer Eats Program helps increase food access by providing free, nutritious meals to youth ages 18 and under when school is not in session.  This summer, the program will run at twenty distribution sites throughout the MetroWest during lunchtime beginning June 24. Meals are available on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require registration or identification. The MetroWest YMCA and its partners will offer various on-site games, activities, and arts and crafts. In addition, the MetroWest YMCA will provide healthy meals to youth ages 18 and under in its Framingham-based summer camps and at its Framingham Branch on weekdays between 3-5 PM.

“At the Y, we take a holistic approach to nutrition by offering programs that educate, celebrate cultures, improve food access, and help people of all ages build healthy habits.,” said Maggie Lynch RDN, LDN, Director of Nutrition Services at the MetroWest YMCA. “With our incredible partners, we’ve expanded our Summer Eats locations this year to increase food access regionally.”

The Summer Eats Program is more important than ever. Recent data from the US Household Pulse Survey show that food insecurity rates have been inching closer to the high we saw at the onset of the pandemic. Approximately 17.9% of all households in MA and an estimated 22.9% of households with children face food insecurity. Those numbers are even higher in BIPOC households at 29.5 – 34.5%. 

About the MetroWest YMCA: The MetroWest YMCA is a charitable organization focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Annually, we impact more than 25,000 local children and families. Our programs and services nurture the potential of every child, strengthen our communities, and help people of all ages build a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Join us this summer, and together, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. MetroWestYMCA.org