PHILADELPHIA, PA — Nutritional Development Services (NDS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced it is seeking community partners to participate in its Summer Meals Program. This vital initiative ensures that children and youth aged 18 or younger throughout the Greater Philadelphia area have access to wholesome, nourishing meals at no cost when school is out of session.
NDS’ Summer Meals program can be operated in various settings including schools, community centers, playgrounds, camps, parks, and churches. In addition, non-traditional settings can include WIC offices, libraries, apartment buildings, townhouse community rooms, Family Service Centers, and more.
Ms. Lizanne F. Hagedorn, Executive Director of NDS said, “NDS is committed to the health and well-being of children in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. The Summer Meals Program is critical to filling the gap in the summer months when school is out in order to ensure that children have access to healthy meals. We are grateful for our partnership with the many organizations and community leaders that provide meals to children as part of their summer programming.”
All meals are delivered daily “ready-to-eat” and no preparation is required. Summer Meals sites provide lunch and breakfast. Meals include whole grains, low-fat milk, protein-rich foods, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. In addition, all meals follow federal guidelines for nutrition, and lunches provide children with 1/3 of their daily nutritional requirements.
In 2022, NDS’ Summer Meals Program served 275 sites throughout the greater Philadelphia area and provided approximately 400,000 meals to children.
To sign up for the Summer Meals Program, please call the Summer Meals Hotline at 215-895-3470 option 1. For more information about the Summer Meals Program, visit https://www.healthymealsforchildren.org/summer-meal-program/summer-meals-program-faq/
The Summer Meals Program is federally funded and operated nationally by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In our region, it is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
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