HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Free meals will soon be available to children in Holyoke as the city’s Summer Eats program returns for another season. The program offers free meals to children ages 18 and younger at several sites across the city. No ID or registration is required.

Tom Duca, Sodexo’s general manager of child nutrition, said meals include an entree, fruits and vegetables, and milk. “It’s a full lunch. They’ll have the options of an entree, always fruits and vegetables, very important, and milk is served every day with them,” he explained.

Locations include Heritage State Park, McMahon Field, Holyoke Public Library, and Springdale Park. A food truck will also stop at multiple sites each day to serve meals at different times. Meals could include sandwiches, pasta, pizza, or meat and vegetarian options every weekday.

Duca said his team is preparing for another busy summer after serving more than 500 people a day last summer. “We’re ordering every week. Two orders a week to make sure we’re getting what we need and we’re bringing it to the kids as fresh as possible,” he added.

This year’s Summer Eats program begins with a kickoff party at 11:30 a.m. Monday, June 29 at Heritage State Park. The program will continue Monday through Friday through August 14.

Duca said the program helps children stay in a routine. “These students work hard and this keeps them in routine. It’s excellent for their growth and learning and the folks at Holyoke, the community, is so passionate about these students,” he noted.

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