Catholic Charities of Philadelphia’s Nutritional Development Services (NDS) has announced it seeks community partners to support its summer meals program. The program runs from June 16 through Aug. 22 and offers free, healthy meals to children younger than 18 across Philadelphia when schools are closed for the summer.
“During the summer months when schools are not in session, our priority is to make healthy meals available to children,” said Lizanne Hagedorn, executive director of NDS, in a CatholicPhilly.com report. “This can only be accomplished through community organizations who are willing to distribute meals where children are present.”
According to the report, meal programs can be implemented in schools, community centers, playgrounds, camps, parks, and churches. They can also be provided through nontraditional spaces such as WIC offices, libraries, apartment buildings, townhouse community rooms, and Family Service Centers.
Fresh meals are delivered to kids daily. Summer meal sites serve breakfasts and lunches that include foods with whole grains, low-fat milk, protein-rich options, and fruits and vegetables. All meals meet federal nutrition guidelines.
Individuals and organizations interested in participating can contact the Summer Meals Hotline at 215-895-3470, option 1. More information about the program is available on the website HealthyMealsforChildren.com.