Washington County families looking for free groceries and $120 per child in summer food benefits can find both at the same place on Monday, July 27.

The Oregon Department of Human Services' Tigard office marks four years of its monthly Free Food Market with an anniversary celebration. The market is open to everyone. No eligibility screening required.

Dawn Dzubay, a self-sufficiency programs analyst in the ODHS Tigard office and an organizer of the market, told the Beaverton Valley Times that regulars have become a tight-knit crew.

"People recognize each other, and they recognize the volunteers," Dzubay said. "Many regular shoppers pitch in — helping set up, passing out snacks or offering chairs to those who need one."

About 130 people visit the Tigard market each fourth Monday, benefiting roughly 400 community members with fresh fruits and vegetables, pantry staples, and donated household goods like blankets, dog food, and toys, according to ODHS.

The July 27 celebration adds extras: Portland musician John Nunn will play a set of light rock and original songs. PDX Diaper Bank will hand out free diapers.

A balloon artist will be on site, and ODHS staff member Danielle Santilli plans to bring her Labrador retriever, Duke.

Caesar the No Drama Llama is scheduled to appear.

The Tigard Public Library and Washington County Cooperative Library Services will give away free books and sign kids up for the Summer Reading Program, which offers incentives including restaurant coupons and free passes to the Oregon Zoo.

Summer EBT: $120 per child

ODHS staff will help families determine whether they qualify for Summer EBT, a state program that provides $120 per eligible school-aged child in grocery benefits during summer break.

Oregon began issuing 2026 Summer EBT benefits in June, according to ODHS.

The benefits stretch further through Double Up Food Bucks, which matches up to $20 per day spent on fresh produce at more than 85 farmers market locations, 35 grocery stores, and more than 40 CSA farms across Oregon.

Receiving Summer EBT does not affect a family's immigration status, according to ODHS. Families with questions can call 833-673-7328, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or apply online.

What's next

The ODHS Hillsboro office at 5300 N.E. Elam Young Parkway held its own four-year anniversary celebration in June, serving about 180 people and reaching an estimated 500 community members the second Tuesday of each month. The Tigard market continues every fourth Monday.