Free summer park meals run out in Hervanta and Ylöjärvi, leaving some children without food

Free summer park meals ran out at sites in Hervanta, Tampere, and Ylöjärvi this week, leaving some children without food, YLE reports.

Pirkanmaa's well-being area, Pirha, says the meals are a concrete form of support for families struggling with tighter finances and help build community. Marja Olli, Pirha’s development manager, said the shortfalls show a clear need for help during the first days of the summer holiday. About 11 percent of families with children in Pirkanmaa are low-income, she noted. Professionals working with families say unemployment is rising and households are having to choose how to spend limited funds.

Municipalities and partner organisations run the park meals and rely on volunteers. Pirha provides staff to hand out the food.

Nokian Poutunpuisto held park meals for the first time this year, drawing up to 230 visitors. Organisers prepared food daily for roughly 200 children.

Parents praised the arrangements. Hanna Nurmi said the service is well organised and helps when schools are on holiday. Denis Kucevic welcomed the chance to meet other families. Tia Kataja of the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare in Nokia said the events offer both food and a safe, communal summer day for children.

The park meal scheme has run in Pirkanmaa since 2021. This summer it includes Akaa, Lempäälä, Nokia, Pirkkala, Sastamala, Tampere and Ylöjärvi, with Akaa, Nokia and Sastamala participating for the first time.