Pittsburgh kids eat free this summer through GrubUp

According to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, more than 45,000 children in Allegheny County are considered food insecure. And during the school year, 73,500 children in the county are eligible for free or reduced-cost breakfast or lunch. So what happens when school’s out for summer? How do these kids eat?

GrubUp, a program of Live Well Pittsburgh, expands the hunger safety net in Allegheny County–bringing healthy meals to thousands of kids every weekday during the summer months. Through August 14, GrubUp will deliver free breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks to children at more than 125 locations across the city, including all Citiparks Recreation Centers, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh locations and city pools. GrubUp has even mobilized a food truck to reach more kids.

“In Pittsburgh, there’s always a place at the table. Our hearts—and our kitchens—are open,” said Mayor William Peduto in a statement announcing the initiative. And with no eligibility requirements, every child in Pittsburgh truly is welcome to grab a bite to eat.

GrubUp’s inclusivity is calculated. “The face of hunger and food insecure children has changed,” says Jamie Beechey, deputy director of parks and recreation for the City of Pittsburgh. “Children who are or can be food insecure are our neighbors. They can be from middle class families.” Not wanting anyone to fall through the cracks, GrubUp serves all Pittsburgh kids up to 18 years old as well as individuals with mental disabilities up to 21 years old.

GrubUp meals are prepared by the Pittsburgh Public Schools to exceed the USDA’s nutritional guidelines for children. They are then transported citywide–feeding kids from the Hill District to Shadyside and everywhere in between. “Our goal is to normalize the experience of all children sharing a meal, regardless of their demographic. Out-of-school time meals are for everyone,” says Beechey.

And with the ambitious goal of serving over 7,500 kids daily, GrubUp will give many more children a seat at the table this summer!

Visit here for full program details, including a complete list of locations and activities. You can also follow #getyourgrubon on Twitter for the latest details.

Featured photo: Kids take a break from swimming and line up for free lunch at one of the city pools. Photo courtesy of the City of Pittsburgh, Office of Mayor William Peduto.