Fighting Hunger in Portland.

Rain or shine, every Sunday for over thirty-four years, Potluck in the Park has served hundreds of Portlanders in need every week—offering not just a hot, healthy meal, but a sense of community and dignity.

What began as a grassroots effort to feed the homeless has grown into a broader mission: ensuring that everyone facing food insecurity has access to nourishment and compassion. We believe that food is a human right and hunger is a human wrong.

Our strength comes from our people—dedicated volunteers whose kindness, consistency, and passion have inspired thousands more to join the fight against hunger. Together, we’re building a stronger, more caring Portland—one meal at a time.

Serving Every Sunday in the North Park Blocks

Join us for our weekly community meal in downtown Portland’s North Park Blocks, near the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). You’ll find us beside the sculpture on NW Glisan Street, between 8th Avenue and Park Avenue—just one block west of Broadway and one block south of the Main Post Office.

This central location provides easy access for guests, volunteers, and partners, and continues to be the heart of our weekly tradition of food, friendship, and community.

Annual Christmas Day Dinner

Each year, Potluck in the Park partners with the Portland Art Museum to host a free Christmas Day Dinner for anyone in need. Together with volunteers and community supporters, we share a warm meal, holiday music, and the spirit of compassion that defines Portland.

During the Great Depression of the 1930’s “hobo signs” were scratched on pavement or fence posts in front of houses across the country. The symbol of the smiling cat meant, “Kindhearted Woman” – someone who could be counted upon for a friendly word and perhaps a warm meal. In hobo language it was a high complement; today it still is. Potluck in the Park has adopted the smiling cat to symbolize what we stand for: A safe haven, rain or shine. We have been serving warm meals to those in need since 1991.