Free Summer Lunches For Kids & Teens Starts Today, June 23

The United Way of Tri-County kicks off its summer meals program starting today.

The program serves lunch Monday through Friday at the Pearl Street Cupboard and Café Monday through Friday for one hour, now until Aug. 22 for all those age 18 or younger.  

No proof of residency or student I.D. is required to receive a meal, nor is there any type of qualification process.

The program is supported by Project Bread and Framingham Public Schools.

“We see more and more families with children accessing our good pantry every week. Ensuring that children have adequate nutrition during the summer can be a burden for families. Through our summer meals program, we are working to ensure that all children have access to a lunch time meal,” said United Way of Tri-County's Senior Vice President Jen Maseda. 
 
In its inaugural summer in 2013, the Summer Meals Program served more than 350 meals to local kids and teens.

Everyone involved in this year’s program is preparing for increased traffic to its Pearl Street home, according to the United Way. 

A major aspect of that preparation has been not just planning meal distribution, but also planning engaging lunchtime activities.

Parents of younger children are encouraged to join their kids for fun puzzles and games that will fill the time with smiles. In addition to providing a great time for the younger crowd, the program will feature music, activities, contests, and prizes that will make the lunch hour memorable and exciting for teens as well. With these efforts, the dedicated staff at the United Way have created a welcoming and engaging space that will fill stomachs and brighten days this summer. 

Summer meals will be served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 10 Pearl Street in Framingham from June 23 to Aug. 22. No lunch will be served on Friday, July 4.