Friday, Jun. 27, 2025
When the final school bell rang in June, it marked the official start of summer. But for many families, it also signaled a cyclical challenge: how to replace the free or reduced-price meals their children rely on during the school year.
Summer food programs are stepping up to help. From Portland Parks & Recreation to local nonprofits and school districts, dozens of organizations are working together to ensure no child in our region goes hungry just because school is out. These programs are helping kids stay nourished, healthy, and ready for summer fun.
Finding Help Near You
For immediate assistance finding the closest meal location:
- Text FOOD to 304-304
- Dial 2-1-1 for information on meal sites near you
Oregon Food Bank Food Finder offers comprehensive food assistance across Oregon and Southwest Washington. No documentation, proof of immigration status, or gender identity verification is required. Find locations at foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org.
Statewide Resources
Oregon Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
When school isn't in session, the Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option help bridge the nutrition gap. Children and teens ages 1-18 are eligible to receive free meals at sites throughout Oregon. These federally funded programs operate at schools, parks, community centers, and other approved locations across the state. Find locations: Oregon Department of Education SFSP
Portland Area Programs
Free Lunch + Play (Portland Parks & Recreation)
Portland Parks & Recreation's Free Lunch + Play program combines nutrition with fun, offering free meals and supervised play activities at approximately 20 park sites citywide. The program runs Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. through summer 2025 (closed July 4th). This program is part of the city's Summer Free for All series, making summer both affordable and accessible for families. Learn more: Portland Parks Summer Free for All
Portland Public Schools Summer Meals
Portland Public Schools partners with Portland Parks and Recreation to provide free lunches to all children ages 1-18 at 15 designated park locations. The program runs Monday through Friday from June 23 through August 22 (except July 4th), ensuring consistent meal access throughout the summer.
Boys & Girls Clubs
Local Boys & Girls Clubs operate summer clubhouses that serve free lunches alongside engaging activities. For example, the Blazers Club in Northeast Portland provides free meals at noon each weekday during summer programming, creating a welcoming environment where kids can eat, play, and learn. Learn more: Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland
Washington County Programs
Hillsboro: The Outpost
The City of Hillsboro partners with Hillsboro School District and Hillsboro Parks & Recreation to offer The Outpost—a free summer lunch and activities program for youth up to age 18. This program combines nutrition with recreational opportunities in a safe, supervised environment. Learn more: Hillsboro's The Outpost
Forest Grove and Cornelius
These communities offer free summer lunches for youth ages 1-18 through the federally funded Summer Food Program. No fees or registration required—just show up and enjoy a nutritious meal in a welcoming community setting. Learn more: Forest Grove Summer Program
Beaverton School District
Beaverton welcomes all children ages 1-18 for free summer meals, with no application or registration required. Children must be present to receive meals, which are eaten onsite. The program also offers reasonably priced meals for adults ($3 breakfast, $5 lunch) so families can dine together. Learn more: Beaverton Summer Meals
Clark County Programs
Share/Vancouver Public Schools
More information can be found here.
- Cascade Park Community Library, 600 N.E. 136th Ave., noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 23-Aug. 8
- Church of the Good Shepherd, 805 S.E. Ellsworth Road, noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 23-Aug. 8
- Clark County Family YMCA, 11324 N.E. 51st Circle, noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 23-Aug. 8
- Columbia Heights Apartments, 409 N.E. 93rd Ave., noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday, June 23-Aug. 7
- Crestline Elementary School, 13003 S.E. Seventh St., noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 30-Aug. 8
- Discovery Middle School (Kiggins Bowl), 800 E. 40th St., 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, July 29-July 31
- Evergreen Park, 3500 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 30-Aug. 8
- First Street Apartments, 301 S.E. 166th Ave., 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, June 23-Aug. 8
- Fishers Mill Apartments, 1000 S.E. 160th Ave., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, June 23-Aug. 8
- Harney Elementary School, 3212 E. Evergreen Blvd., 11 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, July 28-Aug. 1
- Hough Elementary School, 1900 Daniels St., noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 30-Aug. 8
- Isabella Court I, 3112 N.E. 62nd Ave., noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, June 23-Aug. 8
- McKenzie Stadium, 2211 N.E. 138th Ave., 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, June 30-July 2
- Orchard Glen Apartments, 5701 N.E. 102nd Ave., 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, June 23-Aug. 8
- Prairie View Apartments, 12611 N.E. 99th St., noon to 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, June 23-Aug. 8
- River City Church, 2400 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 23-Aug. 8 Sarah J. Anderson Elementary School, 2215 N.E. 104th St., noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 23-Aug.
- Springfield Meadows Apartments, 4317 N.E. 66th Ave., noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 23-Aug. 8
- Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 23-Aug. 8
- Vancouver Police Department East Precinct, 520 S.E. 155th Ave., 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 21-July 25
- Willow Creek Apartments, 8500 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave., 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, June 23-Aug. 8
- Washington State Patrol, 1207 Washington St., 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 5-6
Evergreen Public Schools
- Marrion Elementary School, 10119 N.E. 14th St., 7:30 to 8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, June 13-20
- Silver Star Elementary School, 10500 N.E. 86th St., 7:30 to 8 a.m. and 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. Monday through Friday, June 13-20
- Image Elementary School, 5201 N.E. 131st Ave., 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, July 14-Aug. 1
- Legacy High School, 13300 N.E. Ninth St., 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. and noon to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 14-Aug. 1
- Cascadia Tech, 12200 N.E. 28th St., 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 23-July 12
Battle Ground Public Schools
- Maple Grove Primary School, 610B S.W. Eaton Blvd., 8 to 8:30 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 17-Aug. 14
- CAM Academy, 406 N.W. Fifth Ave., Battle Ground, 7:30 to 8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 17-Aug. 14
Remember: Summer food programs are designed to be accessible and fun. No child should go hungry simply because school is out of session.
These programs are lifelines for families and building blocks for stronger communities. When children have access to nutritious food, they're better able to learn, play, and thrive. When families don't have to choose between food and other necessities, everyone benefits.
For the most up-to-date information on locations, hours, and offerings, visit the program websites directly or contact 2-1-1 for personal assistance finding resources near you.
