Philadelphia officials kicked off the city’s annual Summer Meals program, announcing plans to provide more than 1 million free meals to children and teens while school is out of session.
The program, launched at Tustin Recreation Center in West Philadelphia, will offer meals at more than 500 sites across the city from through Aug. 21. Many locations are housed at Philadelphia Parks & Recreation facilities, including recreation centers and playgrounds serving South Philadelphia neighborhoods.
“Summer should be a time for children to learn, play and make memories, not a time when families worry about where their next meal will come from,” Mayor Cherelle Parker said. “That is why the city and our partners are working together to make sure Philadelphia’s young people have access to healthy meals all summer long.”
The program is open to all Philadelphia children and teens ages 18 and younger, regardless of income. No student identification, proof of citizenship or registration is required. Under U.S. Department of Agriculture rules, meals must be eaten on-site.
Officials said the initiative is supported through partnerships with Nutritional Development Services of Catholic Charities of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Housing Authority, CBS Food Program and other organizations.
A $25,000 grant from the Mayor’s Alliance Action Fund to End Childhood Hunger will help expand outreach and raise awareness of meal sites. The initiative is also backed by philanthropic partners, including Dollar Tree.
Parks & Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson said the program offers more than meals.
“A free meal can be the beginning of so much more,” Slawson said. “They also serve as a gateway to our recreation centers, connecting youth to enriching programs, caring mentors and opportunities to learn and grow all year long.”
School District Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. said the partnership helps address food insecurity after classes end.
“Food insecurity remains a real challenge for too many of our students and families,” Watlington said. “During the school year, the School District of Philadelphia proudly provides thousands of meals each day, but summer can create gaps in access to nutritious food.”
Lizanne Hagedorn, executive director of Nutritional Development Services, said the organization is accepting new community meal sites and encouraged interested groups to call 215-895-3470.
Families can search for nearby meal sites, food pantries and other food resources through the city’s online food finder. Officials also reminded families that many children qualify for SUN Bucks, which provides eligible households with $120 per child to purchase groceries during the summer.
Food sites and hours of operation can be found by searching the city’s interactive map at phila.gov/food. ••
