PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, joined by U.S. Senator Jack Reed, U.S. Department of Agriculture-North East Regional Office Administrator Kurt Messner, RI Department of Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, RI Department of Human Services Director Melba De Peña-Affigne, RI Department of Education Child Nutrition Administrator Steve Carey, National Parks and Recreation Association Senior Program Manager Kellie May, New England Patriots Alumni Jermaine Wiggins, New England Dairy and Food Council, Greater Providence YMCA, and other local partners and representatives, kicked off Providence’s participation in the federal Summer Food Service Program (Summer Meals). The celebration also included cultural dance and music performances by local groups and opportunities for kids to play and learn on the YMCA’s Y on the Move inflatable obstacle course and the Fuel Up to Play 60 truck.
“Providence’s summer lunch program ensures that all children in our city have access to healthy meals when school lets out,” said Mayor Elorza. “We invite children and their caretakers to visit their local park and recreation center in neighborhoods throughout the city so children can play, learn, and enjoy a free, nutritious meal.”
The City of Providence Parks Department, in conjunction with the Rhode Island Department of Education, serves free and nutritious meals to all children and teens, 18 and under through the Summer Meal Program, which ensures children receive healthy meals when school is out. This year, Providence will serve lunches at 33 neighborhood parks, recreation centers, pools and waterparks; and both breakfast and lunch at an additional 60+ summer camps, faith-based, and community-based organizations.
“USDA’s summer meals programs ensure kids and teens have consistent access to healthy meals at no cost during the summer months and provide nourishment for kids to learn and grow” said Kurt Messner, USDA NERO Regional Administrator. “Summer is a crucial time for children and teens to continue pursuing their highest potential. Unfortunately for millions of children across the country, food insecurity threatens their ability to thrive when school lets out for summer and they no longer receive nutritious meals throughout the school day.”
Over 4,000 meals will be provided daily to Providence children 18 years of age or younger. Meal service will run July 5 through August 19, Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in most locations. All City of Providence recreation centers will serve lunches during inclement weather. Times and locations may vary or change, so parents and families should call 2-1-1* to find a summer meal site in their neighborhood. Meals must be eaten on-site.
The City of Providence’s Summer Meals will be served at the following locations and times:
Elmhurst · Valley · Mt. Pleasant
· Fargnoli Park 12:00pm-2:00pm Smith Street (Across 950 Smith St.)
· George J. West Park 12:15pm-2:15pm Chalkstone/ Mt.Pleasant Avenue
· Davis Park 11:30am-1:30pm 700 Chalkstone Avenue
· O’Brien Park 11:15am-1:15pm Corner of Regent St./River Avenue
Federal Hill · West End
· Zuccolo Rec Center 12:15pm-2:15pm 18 Gesler Street
· Dexter Training Ground 11:00am-1:00pm 73 Dexter Street
· Wiggins Village 11:15am-1:15pm 207 Cranston Street
· Codding Court PHA 11:30am-1:30pm 144 Dodge Street
South Side
· Ellery Park 11:00am-1:00pm Ellery Street (Across 84 Ellery St.)
· Sackett St Rec Center 12:15pm-2:15pm 110 Sackett Street
· Harriet and Sayles Park 11:45am-1:45pm 199 Oxford Street
· Rollins Rec Center/Pool 12:00pm-2:00pm 674 Prairie Avenue
· Mattie Smith Playground 11:15am-1:15pm Glenham and Taylor Street
· Pearl Street Playground 11:45am-1:45pm Pearl and Providence Street
· Jennifer Rivera Park 11:30am-1:30pm 40 Niagara Street
· DHS Headquarters 10:45am-12:45pm 206 Elmwood Avenue
· Peace and Plenty 11:00am-1:00pm Peace and Updike Street
· Davey Lopes Rec Center 12:00pm-2:00pm 227 Dudley Street
· McGrane Pool (West End Rec Center) 12:15pm-2:15pm 404 Dexter Street
Charles · Wanskuck · Smith Hill
· Selim-Rogers Rec Center 12:00pm-2:00pm 60 Camden Avenue
· General St./Prov Rec HQ 11:45am-1:45pm 11 West Drive
· Chad Brown Waterpark 12:15pm-2:15pm Chad Brown Street
· Metcalf Field 11:15am-1:15pm Across from 200 Hawkins Street
· Corliss Park 11:00am-1:00pm 30 Corliss Street
East Side
· Fox Point Park 11:45am-1:45pm Wickenden Street (Across B/G Club)
· Billy Taylor Playground 11:30am-1:30pm Camp Street (Across 135 Camp St.)
Olneyville · Hartford ·Silver Lake
· Riverside Park 11:15am-1:15pm 50 Aleppo Street
· Donigian Park 10:45am-12:45pm Valley Street
· Hartford Park 11:00am-1:00pm Across 300 Hartford Avenue
· Joslin Park & Rec Center 11:30am-1:30pm 17 Hyat Street
· Neutaconkanut Rec Center 11:45am-1:45pm 675 Plainfield Street
· Manton Heights 12:30pm-2:00pm 21 Salmon Street
· Wallace Street Park 12:00pm-2:00pm Corner of Wallace and Cumerford
Rainy Day Locations:
· Vincent Brown Rec Center 11:30am-1:30pm 438 Hope Street (rain site only)
· Selim-Rogers Rec Center 12:00pm-2:00pm 60 Camden Avenue
· Zuccolo Rec Center 12:15pm-2:15pm 18 Gesler Street
· Neutaconkanut Rec Center 11:45am-1:45pm 675 Plainfield Street
· Sackett Street Rec Center 12:15pm-2:15pm 159 Sackett Street
· John H. Rollins Rec Center 12:00pm-2:00pm 674 Prairie Avenue
· Davey Lopes Rec Center 12:00pm-2:00pm 227 Dudley Street
· Joslin Park & Rec Center 11:30am-1:30pm 17 Hyat Street
· West End Rec Center 12:15pm-2:15pm 109 Bucklin Street