Allentown’s free mobile produce truck and summer playground program return
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Two popular city programs are returning this summer to provide local families with fresh food access and youth recreation opportunities.
The Allentown Health Bureau’s “Fruit & Veggies On the Move” mobile produce truck is operating again. Throughout the summer, it delivers fresh fruits and vegetables to city playgrounds and community sites.
The City of Allentown’s free eight-week Summer Playground Program runs from June 16th through August 7th. It serves children ages 7-15 at 18 playground locations across Allentown.
The program operates on a modified schedule, with activities from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays and extended hours from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Program participants enjoy daily supervised recreation activities and field trips to destinations including Dorney Park, Wildlands Conservancy, and the surrounding city pools.
Starting in June, free lunches are provided Tuesday through Friday, ensuring children have access to nutritious meals during summer break.
The summer program will culminate with the 111th annual Romper Day Celebration on Monday, August 4th.
This cherished tradition, which began in 1914 with General Harry C. Trexler and Mrs. Trexler’s original “Romper Day,” features games, relay races, and dances for all participants.
Activities are spread across the city, including playground sites like Jordan Park at 6th and Sumner Avenue, Stevens Park at 630 N. 6th Street, and Andre Reed Park at East Washington and Irving Streets.
The program also utilizes elementary schools such as Dodd Elementary on Church Street, Muhlenberg Elementary at 21st and Washington Streets, and Sheridan Elementary on North 2nd Street.
Community partnerships expand the program’s reach, with activities also taking place at the Greater Valley YMCA on North 15th Street, Alliance Hall/Central Elementary on West Turner Street, and the Salvation Army on North Eighth Street.
Additional sites include Percy Ruhe Park on Oxford Drive, Roosevelt Park on Filmore Street, and various play lots, including Ithaca on Southwest 30th Street and Walden Terrace on South Carbon Street.
While on-site registration is available at any participating location, city officials strongly encourage pre-registration for a smoother experience. Registration information is available online here.
Both programs address summer gaps when school-based nutrition and activity services are unavailable to city families, providing essential support when children are out of school.
