FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 29, 2021Contact: Maita Soukup, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, maita.soukup@phila.govImage available for download here.
Students can visit City recreation centers and playgrounds to receive free, nutritious meals on school holidays during winter, spring breaks.
PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell today announced the distribution of free meals to Philadelphia students on select days throughout the 2021-2022 school year.
Many Philadelphia students rely on their schools for free meals during the school year. School-break meal programs—including winter meals and spring meals—ensure that children and teenagers can access affordable and nutritious food when school meals are unavailable. The meal program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.
Select Philadelphia recreation centers and playgrounds will provide free meals for children up to 18 years old on the following days:
- December 27, 2021
- December 28, 2021
- December 29, 2021
- December 30, 2021
- January 3, 2022
- February 1, 2022
- April 11, 2022
- April 12, 2022
- April 13, 2022
- April 14, 2022
A full list of participating facilities and additional information about food resources is available online. Families can find their nearest participating center by visiting phila.gov/food.
Parks & Rec will distribute the meals on a first-come, first-served basis between mid-afternoon and early evening. Families can call their nearest participating recreation center to confirm hours of service. The meals are only for children and teenagers up to 18 years old, and must be eaten on-site.
“Winter recess is a time for students to have fun and enjoy time with their family and community. No child should go hungry because schools are closed,” said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. “There are rec centers in every part of the city that will be providing nutritious meals to Philadelphia students who need them when schools are closed.”