The YMCA of Metro North has officially partnered with Project Bread to offer a free summer meal program, ensuring children and teens in Saugus and Lynn have access to nutritious meals when school is out, through the Summer Eats program.
“Summer should be a time for play and growth, not hunger,” President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro North Kathleen Walsh said. “We’re proud to work with Project Bread to provide meals that nourish our kids and help them thrive all summer long.”
The initiative is a part of a statewide effort to combat childhood food insecurity during the summer months. The meals are healthy, kid-approved, and served in welcoming community settings, according to the press release from the YMCA.
The meal service schedule at the Saugus Family YMCA, beginning June 16, is breakfast from 9:30-10:15 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
The schedule at the Demakes Family YMCA, beginning June 30, is breakfast from 8-9 a.m. and lunch from 12-1 p.m.
There will also be a Y on the Fly mobile van beginning July 7, which will deliver meals, games, and activities to neighborhoods in Lynn.
Neptune Towers will be one of the locations where the van will be located. It will serve breakfast from 9-9:45 a.m. and Lunch from 12:15-1 p.m. It will also be located at Curwin Circle with breakfast from 10-10:45 a.m. and lunch from 1:15-2 p.m.
Senior Executive Director of the Demakes Family YMCA Karina Teixeira spoke on the program’s impact in Lynn, saying, “Lynn families rely on programs like Summer Eats to help make ends meet during the summer months. For many kids, these meals are a lifeline. It’s about more than just food — it’s about access and making sure every child feels cared for and supported by their community.”
Executive Director of the Saugus Family YMCA Amy Looney said, “In Saugus, we know the need is real. Providing healthy meals in a fun, supportive environment gives kids a reason to come together and stay active. It’s one of the most powerful ways we can serve our community during the summer. Especially, kids in our summer camp programs,”
