Nourishing Summers: New Bedford's Free Meal Program Fuels Community Growth

New Bedford Public Schools and New Bedford Parks Recreation & Beaches are collaborating to bring nutritious meals and family-friendly activities to nearly 30 sites across the city this summer. The Summer Eats program, a statewide initiative, offers free meals to any child or teen 18 years of age and younger, ensuring they continue to grow, learn, and thrive during the summer break.

Empowering Families, Strengthening Communities

Feeding the Future: New Bedford's Summer Eats Program

The Summer Eats program is a vital initiative that addresses the nutritional needs of children and teens during the summer months when school is not in session. By providing free meals, the program aims to alleviate the financial burden that some families face, allowing them to focus on other essential expenses. Last summer, the organization served more than 145,000 meals in the community, and in July 2022, over 2.1 million meals were served across more than 1,400 sites in Massachusetts.This year, the meal sites will be operating from Friday, June 21 through Friday, August 23, ensuring a consistent source of nourishment for the city's youth throughout the summer break. The program's success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of New Bedford Public Schools and New Bedford Parks Recreation & Beaches, who work tirelessly to make this initiative a reality.

Enriching Experiences: "Play in the Park" and the Rec & Relaxation Van

In addition to the free meal program, New Bedford Parks Recreation & Beaches is offering a variety of engaging activities and experiences through its "Play in the Park" initiative. Every weekday, children and teens can enjoy free food, sports, games, and art, as well as free dinner and activities every Tuesday and Thursday.To further expand the reach of these offerings, the department is utilizing its Rec & Relaxation Van to bring lunch to two sites daily, five days per week, including two days at the PACE Food Pantry. This innovative approach ensures that the program's benefits are accessible to a wider range of families, including those who may face transportation or other logistical challenges.

Expanding Horizons: Partnering with Fairhaven Parks and Recreation

Recognizing the importance of collaboration and community engagement, New Bedford Parks Recreation & Beaches is partnering with the Fairhaven Parks and Recreation Department to create a new open site at Livesey Park in Fairhaven. This joint effort not only expands the reach of the Summer Eats program but also fosters a sense of regional cooperation and shared responsibility for the well-being of the area's youth.By working across municipal boundaries, the organizations are demonstrating a commitment to ensuring that all children and teens in the region have access to the nourishment and enrichment they need to thrive during the summer months. This collaborative approach sets a positive example for other communities to follow, showcasing the power of partnerships in addressing the needs of the broader community.

Addressing Hunger, Empowering Families

The Summer Eats program is more than just a free meal service; it is a lifeline for families facing financial challenges during the summer. As Project Bread President & CEO Erin McAleer eloquently stated, "Last week, a mom of two called Project Bread worried about how she'd feed her kids when school lets out. She's not alone. In the summer, many families are forced to stretch exhausted grocery budgets even further. Summer Eats is such an important program because it helps close that gap."By reducing the financial burden on families, the Summer Eats program allows parents and caregivers to focus on other essential needs, such as housing, healthcare, and educational opportunities. This holistic approach to supporting families has a ripple effect, empowering them to thrive and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

Expanding Access, Fostering Inclusivity

One of the key features of the Summer Eats program is its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. This year, feeding children on-site has become available, and all are welcome to participate, with no registration or ID required. This open-door policy ensures that no child or teen is left behind, regardless of their family's socioeconomic status or other circumstances.Furthermore, the program's partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the statewide food security nonprofit Project Bread has enabled the expansion of access and participation in the program. Project Bread has granted 6,000 to 51 Summer Eats sponsors for their program outreach and capacity-building efforts, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach to ensuring the program's success and longevity.

Nourishing the Future: The Lasting Impact of Summer Eats

The Summer Eats program in New Bedford is more than just a temporary solution to summer hunger; it is a long-term investment in the well-being and development of the city's youth. By providing consistent access to nutritious meals and engaging activities, the program helps children and teens maintain their physical and mental health, fostering their ability to learn, grow, and thrive.The ripple effects of the Summer Eats program extend beyond the immediate benefits to individual participants. By supporting families and strengthening communities, the program contributes to the overall social and economic fabric of the region. As children and teens return to school in the fall, they are better equipped to focus on their studies and participate fully in educational and extracurricular activities, setting them up for long-term success.The collaborative efforts of New Bedford Public Schools, New Bedford Parks Recreation & Beaches, and their partners demonstrate a deep commitment to the well-being of the community. Through innovative programs like Summer Eats, they are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for a brighter, more equitable future for the children and families of New Bedford.