Helsinki to resume free food service at playgrounds

The City of Helsinki will again serve free-of-charge warm meals to all children and young people under 16 at Helsinki public playgrounds from June 3 to August 2, said a press release.

This summer’s meal service venues will comprise 57 Helsinki public playgrounds, about 30 of which will stay open throughout the summer months. Food will be served on weekdays at 12 noon. No registration is required to get the food. The participating children and young people only need to bring their own utensils (bowls or deep plates, spoons and/or forks).

The lunch menu for the summer service was drawn up in the spring by the caterer Service Centre together with the City of Helsinki Education Division. New menu items this summer include rice porridge and red-pepper pure soup.

To comply with customer wishes, the menu contains a great deal of traditional foods, such as pea soup, sausage soup and many types of fish soup. The long-time favourite Italian Stew and Archipelago Soup made with rainbow trout will again be served. The traditional rhubarb pie returns to the menu after a two-year break, to be served on Helsinki Day, June 12.

Helsinki’s free playground meal service has long traditions. It is a unique public service by international standards and even by Finnish standards. The meal service, which is now in its 77th year, meets nutritional and social needs of families, easing their everyday living costs.