GREENFIELD — With words punctuated by rumbles of thunder, Congressman Jim McGovern ensured a small gathering of state and local officials at Hillside Park that he would continue to advocate for making permanent the universal meals program, School Meals for All.
“The reason why we’re here is to see firsthand the remarkable work that is going on, the incredible meals that are given to our kids, who are 100% of our future,” said McGovern, who visited local Summer Eats sites on Friday. “I’m going to bring these messages back to our colleagues at the federal level: These programs are worth fighting for; do not cut them. Invest more in our nutrition and feeding programs.”
McGovern and the anti-hunger organization Project Bread traveled around central and western Massachusetts on Friday for an opportunity to speak about the value of summer meals programs. Before their stop in Greenfield, they made a stop at a lunch site at Unity Park in Turners Falls.
“Hunger and food insecurity get worse in the summertime because schools aren’t in session,” he said. “These programs are essential, they’re vital to combating hunger. I, too, was hoping and praying that when the state Legislature finishes its business, universal free meals will be forever in Massachusetts. … We’re going to do all we can to make that a reality.”
In Greenfield, the Summer Eats program, which kicked off on June 26, will continue through Aug. 18 at various locations. The meals program provides free breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday and free dinner on Tuesdays to Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Children don’t have to be enrolled in Greenfield schools to receive food.
Albert Gonzalez, senior advisor for external engagement at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said he grew up with similar meals programs.
“I relied on the meals programs, including the summer meals programs, so I understand how critical it is,” he said.
An additional 80,000 students ate lunch in October 2022, compared to October 2019 in schools not previously serving universal free meals, according to Project Bread CEO Erin McAleer.
“This is the time for Mass. to become the eighth state to secure free school meals for the future,” she said. “We are at a pivotal moment with the dedication from the Biden administration … to end hunger by 2030.”
Greenfield School Committee Chair Amy Proietti thanked the cafeteria staff in the district, particularly for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“They didn’t miss a day,” she said. “They fed our kids while we were in remote school. … I’m really grateful to be part of this.”
Proietti recalled overhearing an individual say, “It’s food; they’re kids. Just give it to them.”
“That’s been my mantra … since I heard it,” he said.
Kids have to eat, echoed Regina Robinson, deputy commissioner of the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
“They can’t learn on an empty stomach, play and grow on an empty stomach,” Robinson said. “We are here today to celebrate you and to shine the spotlight on the work you do. Project Bread, your longtime partnership getting the word out on this great program that fills the child nutrition gap when school is out and summer is in — you recognize that kids gotta eat. ”
Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.