Summer Eats News Today

Without access to free school meals, efforts are underway to help.

Families in Massachusetts struggling to make ends meet will have a bit less to worry about this summer when school lets out, as Gov. Maura Healey announced her administration will provide food assistance payments to families who need it.

Reaching more than 100,000 readers weekly, Niagara Frontier Publications is a local group of publications delivering complete community coverage to Erie and Niagara County

The Pittsfield Farmers Market is a certified Summer Eats program, meaning that on market days, children may eat breakfast and lunch there for free.

For over a decade, the Pittsfield nonprofit has been empowering youth and building community through food and farming.

Canadians have been dealing with sticker shock at the grocery store since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a summer food bank program is also feeling the pinch.

Food banks in Windsor-Essex are finding it difficult to meet demands, requesting the public's assistance for more donations. One food bank says incoming donations have been low, another one says while their donations are at the same pace as last year - they are unable to meet needs.

United Way also seeking support for its Backpacks for Success program for children in Grades 1 to 12

Last week, Massachusetts became the eighth state in the country to fund free school meals for all public school children, regardless of household income. Advocates hope it will reduce the stigma around free meals and remove the barrier to nourishment at school.

TEWKSBURY — Bring an appetite for food and adventure to the Tewksbury Community Market on Thursday, July 20, 4 to 7 p.m., located in the parking lot behind the Recreation Center at 288 Livingston St. The market runs every Thursday until Sept. 28.