This summer, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) will be serving up more than just sunshine with the return of their Free Lunch + Play program beginning Monday, June 24. Thanks to the voter-approved 2020 Parks Local Option Levy, this initiative will roll out across 20 parks citywide, with a peck on the focus on East Portland, to cater to the communities where the need may strike deepest.

During the summer month's when school is out, and the structure of school lunches is absent, more than half of Portland's youths rely on programs like these. "Summer Free For All is one of Portland’s signature annual event series," Vibrant Communities Commissioner Dan Ryan mentioned in a statement. This year's Summer Free For All not only provides free meals but also boasts a packed line-up of over 50 events, festivals, and performances suitable for all ages.

The Free Lunch + Play program partners with four local school districts to ensure that meals meet USDA Federal Lunch Program standards. Youth aged 18 and below need to be present to receive meals, and those meals must be eaten on-site, including handwashing before meals and adhering to specific meal times. Activities complementing the meals include sports, games, and arts.

In addition to park-based provisions, PP&R also operates Mobile Lunch + Play, bringing food and fun to four apartment complexes and one park. Details on this roving extension of Free Lunch + Play can be found on their schedule.  “And when school is out, Portland Parks & Recreation helps fill the summer meal gap with Free Lunch + Play offerings in parks, and even at apartment complexes. It’s going to be another lively season full of memorable events. I hope people take part in them, and even better, come work with us this summer!” Parks Director Adena Long told them during an interview.

For complete programming details and language offerings which will soon include Russian, Somali, Chinese, and Vietnamese, the public can visit the Summer Free For All webpage.