Summer isn’t over, but we’re already looking forward to the best school year yet. Classes start for School District of Philadelphia students on September 3 this year! Enjoy the end of summer while getting ready for another amazing school year. Check out these fun and free events at Community Schools and throughout the city in August.
Throughout the month
What: Alain Locke School’s pop-up pantry
When: Every Tuesday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Martha Washington School, 766 N 44th St., 19104
Stop by Martha Washington School on Tuesdays for free, healthy groceries! Alain Locke School’s pop-up pantry is running at Martha Washington School this summer. This pantry is run by the People’s Emergency Center and features perishable and nonperishable food. Drexel’s Eat Right Philly program also hosts cooking demonstrations between 2 and 4 p.m..
What: Fresh For All Wednesdays at Dobbins CTE High School
When: Every Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Murrell Dobbins High School , 2150 W Lehigh Ave., 19132
Pick up free and fresh fruits and vegetables. This weekly produce stand is operated by Philabundance and held in front of the school, weather permitting.
What: FAWN Food Pantry at Tilden Middle School
When: Every Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: William Tilden Middle School, 6601 Elmwood Ave., 19142
Stop by Tilden for free and healthy groceries! The FAWN Food Pantry is run by the People’s Emergency Center. Stop by and pick up food items including bread and canned goods.
Save the date
What: Philly Reading Coaches pop-up at The Oval+
When: Friday, August 2, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: MAKE @ The Oval+, between 20th St. and 21st St. on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 19130
Join the Philly Reading Coaches at The Oval+ for free one-on-one reading sessions with kids under 10 years old. These child-guided reading sessions will help boost children’s confidence and encourage a love of reading. Books will be provided on-site.
What: Share Produce Stand at Logan Elementary
When: Wednesday, August 7, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Logan Elementary School, 1700 Lindley Ave., 19141
All are welcome to shop for fruits and vegetables at this affordable farm stand provided by the Share Food Program. Cash, credit, and EBT/SNAP benefits are accepted.
What: Book & a Blanket at the Oval+
When: Friday, August 9, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: MAKE @ The Oval+, between 20th St. and 21st St. on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 19130
Bring your favorite book (or borrow one from The Oval+ reading room) and a comfy blanket for a reading day at hosted by the Philly Reading Coaches and the Philadelphia Department of Human Services’ literacy initiative. All ages are welcome! Reading coaches will be on hand for free one-on-one reading sessions and a book giveaway for kids under 10 years old. Snacks will be provided.
What: Philly Reading Coaches pop-up at The Oval+
When: Friday, August 16, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: MAKE @ The Oval+, between 20th St. and 21st St. on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 19130
Join the Philly Reading Coaches at The Oval+ for free one-on-one reading sessions with kids under 10 years old. These child-guided reading sessions will help boost children’s confidence and encourage a love of reading. Books will be provided onsite.
What: Fresh food distribution at Logan Elementary
When: Monday, August 19, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Logan Elementary School, 1700 Lindley Ave., 19141
Pick up free, fresh fruits and vegetables at a fresh food distribution provided by Philabundance. This event will be held outside of the school, weather permitting.
What: School District of Philadelphia’s Annual Back to School Event
When: Thursday, August 22, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: School of the Future, 4021 Parkside Ave., 19104
Get ready for the 2019-2020 school year! You won’t want to miss the School District of Philadelphia’s Back to School Event! Students and families will receive backpacks, school supplies, health screenings, and social service resources, and more, all free of charge.
What: Back to School Jam at Cramp Elementary
When: Wednesday, August 28, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: William Cramp Elementary School, 3449 N. Mascher St., 19140
Come out to Cramp Elementary for the school’s annual Back to School Jam! Check out the updated school yard, including a brand new mural, and stop by the gym to learn more about health and safety resources available to you! Be sure to stay for the musical performance beginning at 1:30 p.m.
What: Back-to-School Cuts and Curls at Gideon School
When: Thursday, August 29, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Edward Gideon Elementary School, 2817 W Glenwood Ave., 19121
Get ready for the start of the school year with Cuts and Curls at Gideon! Students ages 5 through 13 will receive free haircuts and styling as well as backpacks full of new school supplies! This event will also include games, entertainment, and live music! There’s something for everyone.
Happening all summer
What: PHLpreK enrollment is underway
Where: PHLpreK locations across the city
Don’t wait! Enrollment is now open for the City’s free, quality pre-K program, and seats are filling up fast!
All Philadelphia children who will be 3 or 4 years old by September 1 are eligible. There are no income requirements for participation in this pre-K program. Families can enroll at one of over 140 participating locations.
Learn more and enroll your child today!
What: Summer Meals
Where: Throughout the city
Free summer meals for children in Philadelphia continue throughout the month of August. No child should go hungry in the summer when school meals aren’t an option. That’s why children up to 18 years old can eat free and nutritious meals at locations right in their neighborhood!
Find a Summer Meals site near you
What: Summer resources and free events for families
Where: Throughout the city
Resource alert! Looking for free and fun events and summer resources for your family? From free, nutritious meals for children to places where you can stay cool, the City of Philadelphia has got you covered. Check out the blog below to find free concerts, family outdoor activities, and opportunities for summer enrichment.
