Summer Meals at Helsinki Playgrounds

From Palvelukeskus Helsinki:

Helsinki offers a free-of-charge hot lunch for children under the age of 16 at its playgrounds, which are open during the school summer holidays.

Here on PEI we have the Children’s Summer Food Program, which serves a similar role, the key distinction being that in Helsinki “all you will need to bring is a plate, a spoon and a mug for yourself,” whereas here on PEI you need to demonstrate financial need, and apply, including provincial health number and household income.

One is “let’s everyone eat together in community, while ensuring everyone gets fed,” the other is “let’s ensure everyone gets fed, but with a fence around it to ensure it’s only people who need it.”

I prefer the former.

(via Linda Liukas)