My Brother’s Table will host its More than Meals summer event on June 25 to celebrate the organization’s mission of providing nourishing meals served with hospitality.

The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on the rooftop deck of Mission on the Bay in Swampscott. Executive Director Dianne Kuzia Hills said this is the second year for this specific celebration, though My Brother’s Table has held summer events for decades. 

“Donations drop in the summer and unfortunately that is also the time of year when we serve the most meals,” Kuzia Hills said.

The evening will feature hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, music and raffles. There will also be opportunities to support My Brother’s Table throughout the night.

“This event is a great way to celebrate the beginning of summer and to celebrate the work of the Table,” Kuzia Hills said. “People commonly think of hunger around the holidays and donate then, but the Table struggles the most in the summer when the need increases and resources like volunteers and funds are scarce.”

Food insecurity tends to increase during the summer months, particularly for children who lose access to school-provided meals. Over 22 million children are dependent on school breakfast and lunch programs, according to Feeding America.

Families may face higher food costs during the summer as well, as more people are at home and there may be reduced income due to increased childcare needs. While summer meal programs exist, participation rates are often lower than those during the school year, according to the Food Research and Action Center. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) pointed to a limited awareness of the summer programs as the most frequent reason for lack of participation. 

As a result, food banks and pantries often see a surge in demand during the summer months. In 2023, Feeding America reported a 30% increase in requests for assistance from June to August. 

The USDA also notes that 45% of households with children living near a summer meal site are food insecure.  

Founded in 1982, My Brother’s Table is the largest soup kitchen on the North Shore and has provided more than 8.9 million free meals. 

“It values hospitality and unconditional love as nourishment too,” Kuzia Hills said. “Food is vital for survival but feeling love and care is vital as well.”

Tickets for the More Than Meals event can be purchased at mybrotherstable.org/mission.