Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summer Eats?
Summer Eats is 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.
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
Do I need to live in Acton or Boxborough?
No - any youth is welcome to a free lunch.
Where is lunch served and why is not at one of the schools?
Lunch is available at Acton Coach Estates at 53-55 Brook St Acton MA. Per regulations, we have to serve in a specified area which does not include any of the schools, public parks or town land.
Can I use public transportation to get to Acton Coach Estates?
The Cross-Acton Transit (CAT) stops at Gould's plaza. Check here for additional information.
Can I pick up the lunch 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.
Do I need to register or sign-up before I go?
Nope! No one will check an i.d. or ask any questions.
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
Will there be activities, too?
Yes! We have themes weeks and will have some activity every day. Stop in and check it out.
Can sites accommodate children with allergies?
Please contact us directly at [email protected] to request an allergen free lunch.
Can I attend Summer Eats sites and also use Summer EBT?
Yes! If you are receiving Summer EBT you can still 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 Summer EBT or any other program.
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: USDA Discrimination Complaint Form , from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant's name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
- mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
- fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
- email:
[email protected]
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.