Summer Eats
The Summer Food Service Program provides free, nutritious meals free of charge to children and teens 18 and under.
No registration or I.D. is necessary.
The Springfield Summer Eats program is run by Springfield Public Schools nutrition program, Home Grown Springfield, and Sodexo. The program provides free nutritious meals to youth ages 18 and under at select locations all over Springfield.
Summer Eats is an innovative effort to lessen the summer food gap by increasing the availability of non-traditional meal sites. The program aims to expand access to free and healthy meals for kids and teens this Summer in Springfield. 
Springfield Summer Eats Locations
** Check back in June 2025 for updated Summer Eats Locations **
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summer Eats?
Summer Eats is a federal nutrition program designed to ensure that all youth (18 and under) have access to healthy meals and snacks during the summer, when school is not in session! Free meals are available to all kids and teens at hundreds of sites across the state. Find sites, days, and times using the map HERE.
Is my kid or teen eligible to receive free meals?
All kids in Massachusetts, ages 0-18, can receive free meals at any Summer Eats site.
Can I pick up the meals and bring them home for my kid(s) to eat?
No, due to federal regulations, caregivers are not permitted to pick up meals for children and take them home. Meals must be consumed on site with the child present.
Are grab & go meals available?
No. Per federal regulations, meals served at Springfield Summer Eats locations must be consumed on-site.
Do I need to register or sign-up before I go?
Nope! Kids and teens can visit all Summer Eats sites and have a free meal! No one will check an I.D. or ask any questions.
What can I do if there are no sites in my hometown?
You can go to any Springfield Summer Eats site; it doesn’t need to be in the town you live in. The sites on the map, found HERE, are often updated, so check back to see if sites become available at locations closer to you.
Will I need to show identification?
Absolutely not. No identification will be asked for in order for a child or teen to receive free meals through Summer Eats at any site.
Will there be activities, too?
Some do, some don't. Many sites strive to include programming or activities for their participants in addition to providing free meals, but this is on a site-by-site basis. To learn more about activities at a particular site, follow @homegrownSPS on Facebook and Instagram. You can also show up in person and ask our team!
What types of meals or food will my child receive at a Summer Eats site?
The exact meals served vary by location and are usually prepared by the sponsoring organization in the community. A combination of breakfast, lunch, snack, and/or supper may be provided. All meals served in Summer Eats must meet nutrition standards established by the USDA. Fruits and vegetables are provided with every meal, along with whole grains. Follow us on social media for weekly menu spotlights @homegrownSPS
Can sites accommodate children with allergies?
Yes. With advance notice we will be able to provide a meal that is free from allergens for the child to eat, but we will need to know in advance to prepare accordingly. Contact our office at 413-787-7111 to ask us to accommodate the specific allergies and let us know which site/meal times you plan to attend.
How is Summer Eats funded?
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), known in Massachusetts as Summer Eats, is a federally-funded, state-administered program. Summer Eats program operators receive federal reimbursement for the free healthy meals and snacks they serve to children and teens while school is out.
Can I attend Summer Eats sites and also use Summer P-EBT?
Yes! If you are receiving Summer P-EBT you are encouraged to attend Summer Eats locations and eat free meals all summer. You are strongly encouraged to utilize both programs, and no questions will be asked at Summer Eats sites regarding your eligibility for P-EBT or any other program
Interested in learning more about Summer Eats?
Visit the following state websites for more information on Massachusetts school nutrition and Summer Eats programming.
Home Grown Springfield is the Culinary and Nutrition Program of the Springfield Public Schools
