Philadelphia – The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families and Parks & Recreation, together with the Philadelphia Housing Authority, Nutritional Development Services, and Philabundance, are supporting hundreds of child and youth meal sites this summer. This citywide and community based effort will ensure that all children and youth have access to free, healthy meals until the next school year begins. A full list and finder of student meal sites for summer is at phila.gov/food.
Vanessa Garrett Harley, Deputy Mayor of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families, shares,
“When school is not in session, thousands of Philadelphia students need access to nutritious meals. The summer meals program is a partnership of the City and many community based partners who come together to serve Philadelphia’s children and youth! I want to thank everyone involved–from organizations to volunteers–for providing healthy meals to our youth and your commitment to tirelessly distribute meals.”
Residents should know:
- Most summer meal sites will begin serving meals on June 21. They will be added to phila.gov/food on June 20.
- New sites will be added to phila.gov/food as they are confirmed, so continue to check back.
- All children and youth up to age 18 in Philadelphia are eligible. No student ID is required.
- Meal distribution days and times vary by site. Families should call ahead or visit the site to confirm the schedule.
- Most meals must be eaten on-site due to USDA regulations. Most student meals are funded through the USDA’s Summer Food Services Program.
An up-to-date list of sites and schedules for all food sites and student meal sites is available on the City’s website. The public is encouraged to confirm locations and schedules by calling 311 or visiting phila.gov/food before going to a site.
“Hunger never takes a break, even when school is out. That’s why Parks and Recreation is committed to providing hundreds of summer meal sites for children this summer through our PlayStreets, recreation centers, and summer camps,” said Parks and Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. “Providing free summer meals is a key part of our summer programming for children and youth.”
Other resources to find free meals for children and youth this summer include the Summer Meals Hotline, 215-770-4659. It is operated by the Coalition Against Hunger. Or, Text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304 to find a summer meal site. Families will receive a text back with the three closest meal sites. It is run by Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign.