Mayor Brett Smiley Announces Return of EAT, PLAY, LEARN PVD
Providence families encouraged to learn more and sign up for summer programs at Summer Opportunities Fair, March 28 at Providence Career & Technical Academy
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Brett P. Smiley was joined today by City Council President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo, Providence Public Schools Superintendent Javier Montañez, Providence Parks Department Superintendent Wendy Nilsson, Director of Recreation Sean Holley and community partners to announce the return of EAT, PLAY, LEARN, Providence’s summer learning programming that offers no cost summer community meals, quality recreation opportunities, project-based learning opportunities and summer employment. Families can sign up online beginning Saturday, April 4 and are encouraged to attend the Summer Opportunities Fair happening at the Providence Career and Technical Academy (PCTA) on March 28 from 10AM to 12PM to learn more about these programs.
“In a moment where uncertainty at the federal government continues to threaten food security for our children, it is more important than ever for local government to step up and provide the critical resources our students rely on,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “We know that opport6unities to learn and grow after school and in the summer months is fundamental for the long-term success of our students and that is why we continue to expand these programs and offer families the resources they need to thrive. The City’s EPL program is a fundamental opportunity for our youngest learners to continue to engage in fun, recreational activities while also ensuring access to healthy meals and quality education resources.”
EAT
Similar to previous years, the City of Providence Parks and Recreation Departments will provide free and nutritious meals to all youth ages 18 and under through the Summer Meals Program, which ensures children receive healthy meals when school is out. This summer, Providence will serve lunches at more than 30 neighborhood schools, parks, recreation centers, pools and waterparks. Meal service will begin on June 29 at both recreation camps and park locations. Last year, to accommodate increased demand, the City extended meal service to Monday through Saturday, ensuring accessibility for all families. Locations and times are listed online, with Saturday meals being offered at the following parks: Bucklin, Fargnoli, Harriet and Sayles, India Point Park and Neutaconkanut. During inclement weather and throughout the summer, times and locations may vary or change, so parents and families should call either 2-1-1 or 3-1-1 during business hours to find a summer meal site in their neighborhood.
“Keeping students engaged in learning and enrichment activities throughout the summer break helps them stay on course towards continued growth and success,” said Commissioner Infante-Green. “RIDE is proud to join the City of Providence, Providence Public Schools, and other community partners to relaunch Eat, Play, Learn PVD and offer families in the capital city exciting programs and opportunities. We encourage youth and parents to explore offerings and take advantage of the many opportunities available.”
PLAY
Recreation centers will offer all-day summer recreation camps at just $5/week. Providence will be offering youth 700 camp slots to sports camps, 600 slots to day camps. In addition to recreational programming, Providence residents are encouraged to explore Providence parks through PlayCorps, Fitness in the Parks and the City’s Park Finder. Providence families may attend the Summer Opportunities Fair for more information on how to register for summer recreation programming and can sign up online for recreational camps starting on April 4.
“The EAT, PLAY, LEARN initiative is a great way to combat summer slide and keep students’ minds engaged between school years,” said City Council President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo. “We’re ensuring Providence students, regardless of financial background, have access to meals, recreational activities, educational programs, and employment throughout the summer. Enriching our kids – keeping them fed, active, and learning – enriches the entire city.”
Providence Community Libraries will be offering literacy programming throughout the summer, including a Mobile Library aimed at enhancing reading skills. Elementary students and their families are encouraged to download the 2026 booklet which will be available in early May online or visit a community library to receive a printed copy, to track their summer reading.
LEARN
The City of Providence and Providence Public School District are collaborating to offer enriching summer learning programs for students of all ages, with a total allocation of up to $1,160,000 dedicated to supporting K-12 programs. Students will engage in active and project-based learning opportunities during the summer months. Parents can find more information about these programs at the Summer Opportunities Fair that will be held on March 28, where program providers will be available for inquiries and registration, both in person and online, through the EAT PLAY LEARN PVD website. Additionally, the City of Providence will continue to support employment opportunities for Providence youth. Summer jobs will be available in the City of Providence Recreation Department and Parks Department, as well as with community partners through the One Providence for Youth workforce development program. Applications for summer jobs within the City’s Recreation and Parks Department will open on April 4. We invite youth to attend the fair to learn about available opportunities and identify the one that best matches with their interests.
“The success of the Eat, Play, Learn program is rooted in the power of community collaboration,” said Providence Public Schools Superintendent Javier Montañez. “From academic enrichment and essential summer meals to employing our high school students, this initiative ensures our youth are supported year-round. We are deeply grateful to the City of Providence and our dedicated community partners for helping us bridge the summer learning gap and prepare our students for the school year ahead.”
More information on summer meals, recreation opportunities and park programming can be found at https://epl.providenceri.
