When school is out, access to food shouldn’t be. Each summer, the City of Philadelphia works with schools, community organizations, and neighbors to ensure children and teens stay fueled with nutritious meals.

This guide brings together information on where youth can access free summer meals, how eligible families can receive SUN bucks, and how organizations and neighbors can become Summer Meal sites.

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FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES:

Find Free Summer Meals for Youth at phila.gov/food

Thanks to the schools, organizations, and neighbors who help operate summer meal sites, children and teens across Philadelphia can access free meals throughout the summer. 

Free summer meals are available to all children and teens ages 18 and under at locations across the city while school is out, with no ID or registration required. To find a summer meal site near you, visit phila.gov/food. 

Meals are served at locations including: 

  • Summer camps
  • Recreation centers 
  • Playstreets 
  • Community-based sites 

New locations are added throughout the summer. Families can find a Summer Meal Site near them by visiting phila.gov/food. Summer meals will be available June 15th – August 21st.

The Summer Meals Program is USDA-funded and administered by the PA Dept. of Education. Due to USDA regulations, summer meals must be eaten on site.

Join us at the Annual Summer Meals Kick-off Celebration!

Free meals and snacks for youth up to age 18 are available at hundreds of sites across Philadelphia all summer long. Join the Office of Children and Families, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, American Dairy Association Northeast, Nutritional Development Services, and CBS Food Program for our Annual Summer Meals Kick-off Celebration on Tuesday, June 23rd from 4 pm – 6 pm at Tustin Recreation Center (5901 W Columbia Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19151 ).

Hunger doesn’t take a break when school’s out. That’s why spreading the word about free summer meals is so important for children’s health and families’ food budgets. With meal sites available across the city, every child can access nutritious food all season. This free event will feature family activities, a community resource fair, special guest appearances, free summer meals for youth, and much more!

Please note that filming/photography is taking place at this event for promotional and archival purposes using City of Philadelphia websites, social media, news, and advertising.

Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, June 23
Time: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Tustin Recreation Center (5901 W Columbia Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19151)

This event is free and open to the public, and registration is NOT required. Just bring your family, friends, and your summer spirit! We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

Free summer meals are federally funded through the USDA.

 

SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)

In addition to Summer Meals, families may also be eligible for SUN Bucks (Summer EBT), a grocery benefit program designed to help households buy food during the summer months when school is out.

Here’s what families should know:

  • SUN Bucks provides a one-time payment of $120 grocery benefit per eligible child.
  • Many children will receive the benefit automatically including youth receiving federal benefits like SNAP, youth in foster care, and youth enrolled in Head Start.
  • Some households may need to apply.
  • Benefits are issued on one EBT card per household.

Benefits will be issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) beginning in June.

Families can use the PA DHS Eligibility Navigator to check eligibility and determine whether an application is needed. Applications are available through the PA DHS Summer EBT website and at County Assistance Offices. Call the BenePhilly Helpline for assistance completing the SUN Bucks application: 1-800-994-5537.

 

FOR INTERESTED ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMUNITY PROVIDERS:

How to Become a Summer Meal Site

Summer Meal Sites are locations across Philadelphia where children and teens ages 18 and under can receive free meals while school is out for the summer. These sites are typically operated by recreation centers, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and Playstreets supervisors.

Each summer, partners across the city help expand access to meals by hosting sites in their communities. Organizations and individuals interested in serving free meals to children and teens can apply to become a summer meal site.

What to Expect as a Summer Meal Site

All Summer Meal Sites must meet the following basic requirements:

  • Attend a required training
  • Complete daily program paperwork
  • Maintain proper cold food storage on site
  • Provide a clean dining space for serving meals
  • Ensure meals are eaten on site 

Meals, trainings, and program support are provided at no cost.

How to Apply

Community-based Summer Meal Sites apply through an approved Summer Meal Sponsor to operate. Sites currently enrolled in CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) are not eligible for Summer Meal sponsorship. In Philadelphia, you can apply with one of the following organizations:

  • Nutritional Development Services (NDS): to apply, call 215-895-3470 (Option 1) or complete the interest form.
  • CBS Food Program: to apply, complete their Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) application. Call 215-938-0201(Option 2) to learn more.

NDS Summer Meal Sites

Community-based organizations and neighbors in Philadelphia and the 5-county region can partner with Nutritional Development Services (NDS) to provide free meals for their summer programming or to feed children in their neighborhood. NDS can provide breakfast, lunch, and/or supper.

Participating sites must: 

  • Serve a minimum of 15 participants each day for at least one week
  • Have appropriate refrigeration on site in order to serve breakfast

To apply, call 215-895-3470 (Option 1) or complete the interest form. Additional details are available in the NDS Frequently Asked Questions.

CBS Food Program Summer Meal Sites

Community- based organizations in Philadelphia and the 5-county region can partner with CBS Food Program to provide free meals for their summer programming. CBS Food Program can provide breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks. All CBS Food Program summer meals are 100% Kosher. 

Participating sites must: 

  • Serve a minimum of 10 participants 
  • Have appropriate refrigeration on site 

To apply, complete their Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) application. Call 215-938-0201 (Option 2) to learn more.

Summer Meals at School District of Philadelphia Schools

Many summer programs take place inside School District of Philadelphia (SDP) buildings, including camps, academic programs, and enrichment activities. When a summer program is hosted at an SDP school, meals must be provided through the district’s Division of Food Services.

Organizations that are already approved to operate summer programs in SDP schools should complete the Summer Meals application through SDP Food Services by the deadline listed on the School District’s website.

Don’t Forget: Free Food is Available Year-Round

Don’t forget: in addition to Summer Meals and Sun Bucks, the City of Philadelphia offers year-round free food resources for people of all ages and households.

No ID or proof of income is required at most food sites, just access to the food you need, when you need it.

Find free food and meals near you at phila.gov/food!

Find free food and meals near you at phila.gov/food!