Portland Parks and Recreation's free Lunch + Play program started Monday. The program is providing free meals and activities for kids at 26 locationsthis summer
It's part of an expanded effort this year by the city and area school districts to provide food security during the pandemic.
"This is a summer like no other summer before," said Kellie Torres from Portland Parks and Recreation. "We work with several hunger relief partners and the data suggests that we are going to be serving five times as many lunches, and even breakfast, as we have ever done before. And so, it's important that we are here and we are showing up for the community."
With social distancing guidelines in place, and since many parks remain closed, organizers are handing out take-home activities, including art kits, activity packs, free books, and games. Schedules and locations are being updated and posted on Portland Parks and Recreation's website.
(Courtesy of our news partner KATU-see their video report here)