Providence offering free meals to youth for the summer

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Mayor Brett Smiley announced Monday that all summer meal sites in Providence are officially open for the season.

City officials said anyone 18 years old and under can enjoy healthy, free meals at various locations across the city through September 1.

“Ensuring our youth have access to nutritious meals during the summer is crucial for their health and development,” Smiley said in a statement.

Organizers said the city served over 70,000 meals last year, adding that each day there will be two options for lunch to cater to different tastes and preferences.

Meals are available Monday through Friday, with the Bucklin Park site serving meals on Saturdays, according to officials.

Meal site times and locations may change in the event of inclement weather and will be served at Providence Community Libraries on rainy days.

Parents and families are encouraged to call 3-1-1 during business hours to find the nearest summer meal site.

Specific times and locations are listed online.