Share Our Strength, a national organization bringing together a network of community groups, activists, and food programs to connect children facing hunger with healthy, nutritious food, announced Thursday that Portland Parks Foundation is a winner of its No Kid Hungry Innovation Award. The Foundation is also the only recipient West of the Mississippi.

The award comes with $12,500 to help support Portland Parks & Recreation summer playground sites, which feature free lunches and healthy activities for kids across Portland.

Almost one-quarter of American children face hunger, and often they don't access existing nutrition programs. The No Kid Hungry Innovation Awards recognize organizations creatively overcoming barriers and bringing healthy food to kids.

Says Foundation Executive Director Maura White, "Reaching out to children in neighborhoods where resources are scarce with healthy activity, healthy food and hope is what the summer playground program is all about. Being selected by Share Our Strength to receive this grant provides the tools for us to reach children who wouldn't normally find their way to a lunch site."

The summer playground program is one of many free summer activities, including movies, concerts, and recreation opportunities, offered by Parks as part of the Summer Free for All.

Congratulations to the Foundation! Visit portlandparksfoundation.org for more on the important contributions the Foundation makes to our parks system.