Find Free Food for NW Children this Summer!

Children whose families rely on school meals can be at risk of going hungry during the summer months. But America’s Summer Food Service Program offers free meals to low-income children 18 and under all around the nation.

Families can look up meal locations:

OREGON

Find food: Search for summer food for kids in Oregon

WASHINGTON

Find food: Search for Summer food for kids in Seattle and Washington state 

or call the national hunger hotline at 1.866.3hungry or 1.877.8hambre. 

The Children’s Alliance reports that USDA figures show a hunger rate in Washington state of 6.1 percent, higher than the national average of 5.7 percent. More than 400,000 people lack food security, the nonprofit estimates. Oregon also has an above average hunger rate at 5.8 percent. And more than one in every four students don't have a secure food supply. 

In Washington state more than 838 sites will serve food and snacks to low-income children this summer. And in Oregon, more than 500 sites in Oregon will feed children this summer.

In a press release urging families to find out where they can help Oregon Deputy Schools Superintendent Rob Saxton said:

 “Childhood hunger is a huge issuer here in Oregon, with many children and their families not knowing where their next meal will come from,” said “For some students, the meals they receive at school may be the only reliable, nutritious food they can count on. The arrival of summer can increase concerns over food insecurity as families struggle to put food on the table.  These meals help provide vital nutrition so that our students can stay healthy and hunger-free over the summer months."

According to Saxton, nationally 6 out of 7 eligible kids do not get free summer meals. 

In the 2013-14 school year, 54 percent of Oregon students were eligible for free and reduced-price lunch. A decade ago the number was 43 percent. Data from 2011 shows 27.3 percent of Oregon students suffered from food insecurity, a rate well above the national average. 

“Food insecurity impacts students’ health, well-being, and ability to learn,” said Deputy Superintendent Saxton. “If we want our students to be prepared to excel in school, we need to ensure they have their basic needs met, including access to sufficient, nutritious food year-round. No child should go hungry or have to worry about where their next meal will come from.  I want to encourage everyone to help spread the word about the free summer meals that are available throughout the state.  Together, we can have a real impact on child hunger in our state.”

Gresham announced sites for its summer food program Wednesday:

Gresham High School
1200 N Main Street
Gresham, OR 97080
Breakfast: 8:30 am - 9:00 am
Lunch: 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
July 7 - July 31 (M-F)
June 23 - July 31 (M-TH)

East Gresham Grade School
900 SE 5th
Gresham, OR 97060
Breakfast: 9:00 am - 9:30 am
Lunch: 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
Breakfast: July 21 - Aug 14 (M-TH)
Lunch: June 23 - Aug 21 (M-TH)

Hall Elementary School
2505 NE 23rd
Gresham, OR 97030
Breakfast: 8:45 am - 9:15 am
Lunch: 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Breakfast: July 21 - Aug 14 (M-TH)
Lunch: June 23 - Aug 14 (M-TH)

Highland Elementary School
295 NE 24th
Gresham, OR 97030
Breakfast: 9:00 am - 9:30 am
Lunch: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Breakfast: July 21 - Aug 14 (M-TH)
Lunch: June 18 - Aug 14 (M-TH)

Hollydale Elementary School
505 SW Birdsdale
Gresham, OR 97080
Breakfast: 8:30 am - 9:00 am
Lunch: 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
Breakfast: June 18 - Aug 21 (M-F)
Lunch: June 18 - Aug 21 (M-F)

Fairview Oaks Apartments
22701 NE Halsey
Fairview, OR 97024
Lunch: 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
June 18 - Aug. 21 (M-F)

Gresham Village Square Apts.
1625 SE Roberts Ave
Gresham, OR 97080
Lunch: 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
June 18 - Aug. 21 (M-F)

Cedar Meadows Apartments
3181 SE Powell Valley Rd
Gresham, OR 97080
Lunch: 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
June 18 - Aug. 15 (M-F)

Troutdale Terrace Apartments
639 SW 25th Ave.
Troutdale, OR 97060
Lunch: 11:00 am - 11:45 am
June 18 - Aug. 21 (M-F)

Stark Manor Apartments
600 SE 217th Ave.
Gresham, OR 97030
Lunch: 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
June 18 - Aug. 21 (M & W)

Tillicum North Apartments
3001 NE Division St.
Gresham, OR 97030
Lunch: 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
June 18 - Aug. 21 (Tu & Th)

Main City Park (Pavilion)
219 South Main Ave.
Gresham, OR 97030
Lunch: 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
June 18 - Aug. 15 (M-F)

Red Sunset Park (Pavilion)
2403 NE Red Sunset Dr.
Gresham, OR 97030
Lunch: 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
June 18 - Aug. 15 (M-F)