City officials and community partners officially launched Philadelphia’s annual Summer Meals Program this week at Tustin Recreation Center in West Philadelphia, marking the beginning of a citywide effort to provide free meals to children and teens while schools are closed for the summer.
The initiative, coordinated by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Nutritional Development Services of Catholic Charities of Philadelphia, the American Dairy Association North East, and the CBS Food Program, is expected to serve more than one million meals to young people this summer.
More than 500 meal distribution sites will operate across the city from June 15 through August 21, including recreation centers, schools, housing authority facilities, and community organizations. All children and youth up to age 18 are eligible to receive meals free of charge, regardless of income. No identification, registration, or proof of citizenship is required.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said the program is designed to ensure that children continue to have access to nutritious food when school cafeterias are closed.
City officials noted that food insecurity remains a challenge for many Philadelphia families during the summer months. Vanessa Garrett Harley, Chief Deputy Mayor for Social Impact and Strategic Initiatives, said access to healthy meals helps provide young people with the foundation they need to learn and succeed.
The program received a boost this year through a $25,000 grant from the Mayor’s Alliance Action Fund to End Childhood Hunger, supported by philanthropic partners including Dollar Tree. The funding will be used to expand outreach efforts and increase awareness of available meal resources throughout the city.
Susan Slawson, Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, said summer meal sites often serve as more than food distribution points, connecting young people to recreational programs, educational opportunities, and mentorship throughout the year.
School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. emphasized the importance of maintaining access to nutritious meals after the school year ends, noting that summer can create significant gaps in food availability for many students.
Nutritional Development Services Executive Director Lizanne Hagedorn highlighted Philadelphia’s longstanding role in supporting child nutrition programs and encouraged community organizations interested in hosting meal sites to contact her agency at 215-895-3470.
Families are encouraged to verify meal site locations, dates, and operating hours through the city’s online food resource directory at phila.gov/food. Due to U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations, meals must be consumed on-site and cannot be taken to go.
In addition to free summer meals, many Philadelphia families may qualify for SUN Bucks, a grocery assistance program that provides $120 per eligible child to help purchase food during the summer. More information is available at dhs.pa.gov/sunbucks.
A complete list and interactive map of summer meal sites, food pantries, and other food assistance resources can be found at phila.gov/food.
