Free park meals return to Espoo, Vantaa also offers food to seniors

In Espoo, park food is offered to children in July, and in Vantaa in June-July.

Espoo and Vantaa will offer free park meals for children in the summer of 2025.

In Espoo, food will be distributed in five community parks in July to those under 16 years of age.

Dining is organized in seven parks at Vantaa in June and July for those under 18 years of age.

In Vantaa, park dining is also available for the elderly.

Free park dining returns to Espoo after a 16-year hiatus. The last time park dining was organized in Espoo was in 2009.

Food will be available in July at the resident parks in Soukka, Perkkaa, Olari, Suvela and Tapiola. There are a total of 16 resident parks in Espoo.

This is an experiment, based on the information collected, politicians will decide on the possible continuation and funding of park dining.

A free hot meal is offered on weekdays at 12 noon to park visitors under the age of 16. Food can also be offered to other park visitors if there is any left over.

You do not need to register in advance for meals, but you must bring your own dishes and cutlery.

Food is available in each park for the first 150 diners. Especially on sunny days, it is worth bringing your own food, as there may not be enough food for everyone.

One dish is offered each day. Food is distributed as long as it lasts. All dishes are lactose-free, pork-free and egg-free.

Vegetarian food is offered two or three days a week. Special diets cannot be accommodated in the park.

The menu and ingredient list for the park meals can be checked in advance online. The product description for each day’s meal can also be viewed in the parks.

Park food will be offered this summer as usual in Vantaa.

A hot lunch will be served in seven parks around the city between June 2 and August 1.

Distribution points are the open meeting places of Auringonkukka and Koivukylä, the playground of Illenpuisto, Tikkurila Library Park, and the resident parks of Korso, Nissakse and Vihertie.

Food is distributed free of charge to Vantaa residents under the age of 18 on weekdays between 11 am and 12 pm or as long as food lasts. Lunches may contain food items that are not suitable for those following special diets.

You must also bring your own eating utensils and drinks in Vantaa. You can view the menu in advance online.

In addition to meals, the parks organize various programs, such as music and exercise.

In Vantaa, park dining will be expanded this year to include the elderly and those who are retired due to age. Elderly people will dine at the same time as children.

Park food is distributed to seniors at Vihertie residents’ park in Martinlaakso on four days in June and at Korso residents’ park on five Fridays in July and August.