The Hockomock Area YMCA is collaborating with King Philip, Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham Public Schools to operate an official USDA/MA Department of Education summer meal program at King Philip Regional High School.
The program began June 29 at the high school located at 201 Franklin St. in Wrentham. Free ‘grab & go’ lunches will be available to any child (under the age of 18) three days a week on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays anytime between 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. through Aug. 28. Meals will be provided for the following day when picked up on Monday and Wednesday, and for the full weekend when distributed on Friday.
This program is designed to help close the hunger gap that children face during the summer. In the programs first two weeks of the program, 714 meals have been served. Supporting students in accessing basic needs during this challenging time for many families is important to the four districts. No advanced sign-up or paperwork is required to drive up to the bus loop of King Philip Regional High School.
“We are grateful to the Hockomock Area YMCA for their work to ensure that all children have access to food in our communities and in the broader region,” said Dot Pearl, director of wellness for Norfolk, Plainville, Wrentham and King Philip Schools. “All families are able to pick up meals at a convenient central location at King Philip High School, and can also use the other sites hosted by the YMCA to ensure their children have access to meals.”
The Hockomock Area YMCA has food sites in Bellingham and Milford and operates a free grocery bag distribution initiative at branches in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleborough from 1-2 p.m. every Wednesday.
“In these challenging times, our YMCA has been there for our community providing an important safety net for so many kids and families,” said Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “I’m so proud of the work our Y has done with the support of our community partners to provide emergency support focused on the needs of those facing food insecurity which reflect our mission and our values. And thanks to the support of many in the community, we will continue to be there for those who need us.”
For more information about the Summer Lunch Program as well as food distribution taking place each week at the Hockomock Area YMCA locations, visit www.hockymca.org/food-access.
