SUMMER EATS program officially kicks off in Malden with celebration

Games, lunch and treats for families launches program; free lunch sites available citywide beginning Monday, July 1

By Steve Freker

Another summer of free meals for Malden youths kicked off Monday with a celebration which included games, food, treats and a lot of fun. SUMMER EATS is back for another season, sponsored by Project Bread and the Mass. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), in conjunction with the Malden Public Schools Food Services Department. The program officially kicked off with a celebration at Malden High School’s Courtyard – where games were held for the kids – and in the MHS cafeteria. Malden Mayor Gary Christenson joined staff from Malden Food Services and Project Bread to welcome kids and their families to the kickoff event.

Free summer meals will be served in Malden – Monday through Friday – from July 1 through August 16. The meals are free for all kids & teens 18 years old & younger, at the following sites and times:

❖ MacDonald Stadium (breakfast: 7:45 a.m.-8:15 a.m.; lunch: 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.)

❖ Lincoln Commons (lunch: 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.)

❖ Malden High School in rear on Prescott Street, beside CVS (lunch: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)

❖ Coytemore Lea Park, Pool (lunch: 12 p.m.-12:30 p.m.)

❖ Trafton Park (lunch: 12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m.)

Meals will be served Monday through Friday; NO MEALS served on Thursday and Friday, July 4 & 5. Locations may be subject to closing due to inclement weather and/or lack of participation.

According to Project Bread, “Summer Eats livens up every kid’s summer by filling their bellies and filling their days with activities that get them out, up, and moving.”

Brought to you by Massachusetts’ Department of Education and local school and community meal providers, Summer Eats sites across the state provide free meals to all kids and teens, no identification or registration required. Caregivers can rest easier knowing meals are off their hands, and use that time and energy to focus on everything else on their to-do list.