PHILADELPHIA – Today, the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families, Parks & Recreation, and American Dairy Association North East kicked off their annual Summer Meals program for children and teens at the Vare Recreation Center in South Philadelphia.
The kick-off event featured an afternoon of family-friendly fun, including resource tables, music, activities, special appearances, and a nutritious lunch served to youth at noon.
“Every child in Philadelphia deserves access to healthy meals—especially during the summer months when school is out,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “This program is one of many ways we show our young people that this city sees them, values them, and is committed to their well-being, every single day.”
Through partnerships with Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Housing Authority, and other local and federal agencies, the City will offer more than 500 free summer meal sites to children and teens across Philadelphia.
“Access to food is a basic need, and meeting that need is foundational to a child’s ability to learn, grow, and thrive,” said Vanessa Garrett Harley, Chief Deputy Mayor for Social Impact and Strategic Initiatives. “The Summer Meals program ensures our young people are nourished and supported, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be.”
Residents should know:
- Many summer meal sites will begin serving meals on Monday, June 16.
- All children and youth up to age 18 in Philadelphia are eligible. No student ID, proof of citizenship, or registration is required.
- Meal site days and times vary by site. Families should call ahead or visit the site to confirm the schedule at phila.gov/food.
- Meals must be eaten on-site due to USDA regulations. Most summer meals are funded through the USDA’s Summer Food Services Program.
“Our summer camps and recreation centers are like a second home for many Philadelphia children,” said Susan Slawson, Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. “They are places where kids can count on a healthy meal, stay active, learn new things, and build lasting friendships in a welcoming and supportive environment. This work reflects the spirit of One Philly—all of us working together for the betterment of our youth.”
Additional quotes from key partners:
“When students are out of school for summer, they may lose that consistent access to nutritious meals,” said Tony B. Waltington, Sr., Ed.D., superintendent for the School District of Philadelphia. “We’re proud to have served more than 295,000 meals last summer, and we are grateful to our partners who collectively support our families and provide access to meals across the city.”
“The Summer Meals Program not only prevents hunger and provides nutrition, but it also brings hope to children, their families, and the whole community,” said David Stier, Assistant Director for Community Relations, Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese. “Nutritional Development Services is honored to support this program alongside the other summer meal sponsors and is eager to provide free meals to children in the five-county Philadelphia area.”
“Dairy farmers care immensely about ensuring all families have access to nutritious food. Hunger does not take a summer vacation, and we want all children to receive the nutritional benefits that milk and dairy foods provide. Partnering with Philadelphia officials to raise awareness about the availability of no-cost summer meals is very important to us,” said John Chrisman, CEO of American Dairy Association North East.
A full list and interactive map of student meal sites for summer, pantries, meal sites, and older adult meal sites can be found at phila.gov/food.
Photos of today’s event are available online.