ECU Health Summer Meals Program offers free food to kids

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - With the combination of kids being out of school and rising costs, it can be tough for some parents to keep their families fed during the summer.

That’s why ECU Health is partnering with several organizations in Eastern Carolina to offer free meals to kids.

Wednesday was day one of the ECU Health Summer Meal Program in Greenville.

Monday through Thursday, until August 21st, kids can come to York Memorial A.M.E. Zion church to get one of the many packed lunches, something Associate Minister Janie Rouse calls a necessity.

“When children are out of school, they no longer have access to some of the foods they had access to during the school year, such as breakfast and lunch. So it’s important for us to help our community.”

Since 2021, ECU Health has partnered with Food Lion Feeds, Sodexo USA, and ECU Health Foundation, providing nearly 12,000 free meals to kids and teens during their summer meals program, looking to combat food insecurity in the area.

In 2023 alone, the program helped provide over 2,800 meals to kids in need, and in 2024, 3,502 meals were served.

Community Health Project Consultant Alexis Connell says there are many reasons why they do this program.

“One to build trust, two, like I said, to address the food insecurity, and just a great way for ECU Health to get involved in the community,” Connell said.

Meals will be available Monday to Thursday at:

• The Gathering Place, 701 Church St., Ahoskie - June 9-Aug. 21 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Bethel Youth Activity Center, 7458 Main St., Bethel - June 16-26 and July 7-24 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
• York Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 201 Tyson St., Greenville - June 11-Aug. 21 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Braswell Community Center, 1501 Western Boulevard, Tarboro - June 9-Aug. 21 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

For more information, email community.health@ecuhealth.org.