Free snacks bring smiles to Kemi children

A women’s association in Kemi is offering free snacks to children in a traffic park twice a week during July, using surplus food from a local supermarket.

Twelve volunteers from Kemin Aikamme Naiset ry distribute sandwiches, fruits, and berries to children playing in the park. The initiative fills a gap left by the Finnish Red Cross, which has paused its food distribution for July.

Anja Holpainen, 84, a longtime volunteer, said the goal is to provide good food and teach children the value of helping others. She recalled one father’s surprised reaction when told the snacks were free: “He asked how much they cost, and then he smiled when we said just take them.”

Five-year-old Kerttu Kreku was among the children enjoying the treats, listing grapes, blueberries, bananas, strawberries, and bread as her favorites. Her mother, Kati Myllylä, said Kerttu had asked on the way to the park: “Is there still snack left?”

Other children, like Jackson Khea, Elias Berisha, and Jalmari Lui, came to the park to play football but also appreciated the healthy food on offer. “Good food and healthy,” Jalmari Lui said.

The group has also distributed excess food once a week from the Left Alliance’s regional office. Traditionally, food distribution in Kemi has been handled by the Red Cross and religious communities.