PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Free meals are now available five days a week to anyone 18 and younger in Providence.

Mayor Brett Smiley held a kickoff event Monday to mark the opening of summer meal sites citywide. The majority of those sites will be open Monday through Friday until Sept. 1.

“Ensuring our youth have access to nutritious meals during the summer is crucial for their health and development,” Smiley said. “I encourage all families to join us at our parks throughout the summer where our community can come together to enjoy meals and participate in enriching activities in our safe, fun-filled outdoor spaces.”

Some of those activities will include sports, yoga, and visits from the Roger Williams Park Zoomobile and other guests, according to the city.

Through a partnership with DoorDash , the city will also be distributing up to $10,000 in gift cards throughout the summer.

Parents are encouraged to call 311 to find the nearest meal site. The hours and availability are subject to change due to inclement weather or extreme heat. On rainy days, meals will be served at Providence Community Libraries , the city said.

Free summer meals are also available to children in other Rhode Island cities and towns.

For information on serving locations and times, call the United Way of Rhode Island at 211 or visit the R.I. Department of Education’s website .

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