About Us

Two parents. One idea. A better park day.

We are not vending industry insiders. We are Portland Metro area moms who love local parks and saw a gap worth filling.

Who We Are

Meet the founders

The Park Pantry was founded by two Portland Metro area moms who are local park regulars, not career vending operators. We are genuine community members who saw a real need and decided to do something about it.

Jessica Mullins

Jessica Mullins

Co-Founder

Jessica is a Portland Metro area mom and regular visitor to local parks who saw firsthand how often families are caught unprepared: snacks gone too soon, a forgotten diaper, no sunscreen on a bright afternoon. She knew there had to be a better solution available right at the park.

Jessica focuses on product curation and partnerships, ensuring every item in a Park Pantry machine reflects the kind of quality she would choose for her own family.

Richa Khandelwal

Richa Khandelwal

Co-Founder

A longtime Portland Metro area resident and local park regular, Richa brings operational energy and a deep commitment to community to The Park Pantry. As a parent who has spent countless hours at area parks, she understands exactly what families need to make the most of their time outdoors.

Richa’s approach is grounded in accountability: doing things right, following through on commitments, and building trust with the community and the District over time.

Our Story

The frustration that sparked an idea

It started with a familiar scene. Kids winding down, not because they wanted to leave, but because snacks ran out. A diaper situation with nothing nearby. Sunscreen forgotten in the car, only discovered once everyone was already in the sun.

Every parent at a local park has had that moment: the visit cut short not by the kids losing interest, but by something entirely preventable. A simple need, unmet at the right place and time.

We started talking about it the way parents do: informally, at the park, commiserating. Then we started asking: why isn’t there a vending option here that actually works for families? Not a machine full of chips and soda, but one stocked thoughtfully, maintained reliably, and priced fairly.

That conversation became The Park Pantry.

The Moment

A park visit cut short

“The kids were having the best afternoon. Then snacks ran out, we needed a diaper, and there was nothing nearby. We packed up 45 minutes earlier than we wanted to. We thought: there has to be a better way.”

Our Commitment

Building it the right way

We are not here for a quick revenue opportunity. We want to build something that families rely on and that our communities can be proud to have at their parks. That means starting with quality and earning trust through consistent, accountable operations.

Quality Products

Every item is selected with families in mind. No artificial dyes, no empty calories. Just options parents can feel good about reaching for.

Reliable Operations

Machines are restocked on a consistent schedule. We are responsive, local, and personally invested in keeping things running smoothly. We use these parks too.

Accountability to Families

We live in this community. Our reputation is tied to the quality of what we provide. We welcome feedback and hold ourselves to a high standard because the community we serve is our own.

Let’s Connect

We’d love to share more

If you are a park administrator, park advocate, or community member who shares our vision, we are ready to talk through our full proposal.

Get in Touch    Our Mission