Summer Food Programs

Chronic hunger is becoming more prevalent in Oregon. Hunger negatively affects the learning, health, and productivity of both children and adults. In particular, children who are hungry and malnourished have more difficulty learning in school, and childhood hunger and malnutrition can lead to irreversible health problems later in life.

According to the Oregon Food Bank (OFB), for the fourth year in a row its network of regional food banks distributed more than 1 million emergency food boxes.  Since the Great Recession hit in 2008, OFB's distribution of has increased 41%. On average, 270,000 people per month eat meals from emergency food boxes-and 34 percent of those are children.

During the summer when kids are out of school, Oregon's Summer Food Program provides meals for children and teenagers whose ages range from 1 to 18. In all, there are more than 600 sites across Oregon where kids can get nourishing meals during summer break. More information can be found HERE.

Summer is also a great time to shop at any of Oregon's 160 farmers markets, and most accept SNAP (food stamps).  Most also accept Oregon Farm Direct Nutrition Program (FDNP) checks and vouchers issued to low-income seniors and families through the WIC (Women, Infants & Children) program. Some markets will even match up to $5 per visit!

There are more than 20 markets in the Portland area. It's a great way to buy nutritious food for kids and families while supporting small farmers right here in Oregon. Most markets run on Saturdays and Sundays, but there's at least one market open any day of the week in Portland.

A list of some of the major Portland markets that accept SNAP and FDNP can be found HERE. 

For a complete list of markets, locations, and hours of operation, visit: