As the school year winds down and cafeterias close for the summer, Worcester Public Schools is preparing to reopen meal service in a different way by offering food at parks, libraries and community locations across the city.
Beginning June 23, Worcester children and teens age 18 and younger can pick up free meals through the Summer Eats program, a statewide initiative designed to help families access nutritious food while school is out of session.
The program runs through Aug. 21 at locations throughout Worcester, with no registration, identification or paperwork required. Meals must be eaten on site.
For many families, the summer months can create a gap in access to reliable meals that students receive during the school year. Worcester school officials say the program is intended to help bridge that gap while supporting children throughout the summer.
“For many of our students, school lunch is their most reliable meal of the day,” Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Brian Allen said in the announcement. “The Summer Eats program allows us to bridge that summer gap, ensuring our kids stay healthy, fed, and ready to learn when they return in the fall.”
Participating meal sites will operate alongside educational programs, recreational activities and community events throughout the city.
Danielle Collins, director of nutrition for Worcester Public Schools, said the program is designed to be as accessible as possible for families.
“We’re making sure every Worcester family has access to fresh, healthy meals this summer—completely hassle-free. No IDs, no forms, no catch. Just show up and eat!” Collins said in the announcement.
She also highlighted the role of community partners who help host meal sites throughout the city.
“It takes a village, and our Worcester village is showing up big time!” Collins said. “A massive shoutout to our amazing staff and community partners who are turning local parks and libraries into safe, welcoming summer hubs. Together, we’re making sure our kids can fuel up with healthy food and dive straight into summer fun.”
The effort is part of the statewide Summer Eats program, which has operated in Massachusetts for more than two decades through a partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the nonprofit organization Project Bread.
According to Worcester Public Schools, 128 sponsors served nearly 2.5 million meals and snacks at more than 1,100 sites across Massachusetts during the summer of 2025.
This year, Project Bread awarded Worcester Public Schools a $7,500 grant to support outreach efforts, community partnerships, engagement activities and menu enhancements related to the program.
Summer Eats can also be used alongside SUN Bucks, a separate program that provides eligible families with additional grocery assistance during the summer months.
A complete list of Worcester meal sites and service times is available on the city’s Summer Eats webpage.
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