City Kicks off the start of summer meals programming at Heitzman Recreation Center

The City of Philadelphia's Office of Children and Families, Parks & Recreation, and American Dairy Association North East kicked off another Philly Summer Meals program season for children and teens at Heitzman Recreation Center.

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The kick-off event featured an afternoon of resources, activities, music, food, and special appearances.

“No child living in Philadelphia should worry about food or wonder where their next warm meal will come from,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “The city’s summer meals program helps ease that worry by making nutritious meals available to our young people while school is out of session. I am incredibly proud of the collaboration across community, government, schools, and social services that made this happen, keeping hundreds of meal sites open across the City again this season.”

In partnership with Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese, the School District of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Housing Authority, and other local and federal partners, the City will have more than 500 free summer meal sites available to young persons up to age 18.

“Thousands of Philadelphia students rely on school meals during the year, which means that when school is not in session, they risk losing access to nutritious food,” said Vanessa Garrett Harley, Chief Deputy Managing Director for the Office of Children and Families. “The summer meals program is an incredible, communitybased effort that ensures our children are food secure until the next school year begins. I am thankful to the City’s partners, local organizations, and volunteers who work together each year to make this possible.”