summer meals for kids 2026

As the federal safety net frays, children across the country are losing access to food from SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps).

In Massachusetts, Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) data shows more than 61,000 children lost SNAP benefits between July 2025 and May 2026.

This loss is driven by multiple factors, including rules and regulation changes, access barriers, and an overwhelmed system that has dropped more than 70% of SNAP client calls.

Eligible families can’t get through the assistance phone line for help.

“I want my nine-year-old to have milk and vegetables,” said Megan*, 43, a single mom. “Nutrition is very important.”

That’s where The Open Door Summer Meals for Kids steps in to provide free grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches to local children.

Federal regulations no longer allow reimbursements for grab-and-go meals. For the second year in a row, our program is entirely sustained by community donations and sponsorships—support that makes a direct difference.

Last year alone, 17,389 meals reached children in high-need neighborhoods, camps, and summer programs thanks to you.

Thank you for helping make this possible.

*name has been changed.