EASTHAMPTON, Mass. - Easthampton's Summer Eats program is happy to help fill the stomachs of local kids this summer. The city’s school department runs the federally-funded service and children up to the age of 18 are eligible to enjoy a free meal.

"Today we're doing a fun lunch," food service director Ken Lepage said. "We're doing a muffin, a yogurt, string cheese, ome pretzels, some goldfish, some juice and a nice nutritious milk."

Wednesday’s kick-off event allowed families to pick up their food at Millside Park.

"They look good," Easthampton resident Harper Carpenter said. "They look good. I can't wait to try it and I'm going to get a prize after I get my 10 lunches."

Carpenter is already enjoying the new program.

"I'm really excited and I'm going camping this summer next week," Carpenter said.

This is first time Easthampton has had a Summer Eats program. Lepage said, like many communities, food insecurity has impacted the city since the pandemic, so it's important they’re proactive in making sure the children are taken care of.

"We've noticed here in Easthampton, the past few years especially due to COVID, we realize there's a real need for these kids to get a meal," Lepage said. "Usually they get their meals, a lot of them their only time they get a meal is in school and when school is out it's very important to feed these children in the community."

There are Summer Eats program sites in communities all over the state, including Worcester, Belchertown and Chicopee. Easthampton's will run Monday through Friday until August 18.