Free Summer Meals for Kids And Teens

Summer Meal Sites

Summer meals sites provide free meals and snacks to kids and teens age 18 and under, thanks to federal funding local organizations, and Philadelphians who organize sites in their community. There are no income requirements, ID, or registration needed for youth to access meals in qualifying areas.

Start a summer meals site

Nearly 1 in 8 children in Philadelphia experience food insecurity. And when schools are closed, many students lose access to nutritious school meals.

It's easy to serve free meals to children under 18 this summer. You can host a summer meal site for children on your block, in your community, or at your organization.

The following Philadelphia site sponsors can work with you to bring summer meals to your neighborhood or summer program:

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation: 215-685-2725

Runs the Playstreets Program, which allows city blocks to close to traffic to provide meals and activities during the summer.
- Playstreets requirements;
  - No numbered streets, bus routes, or major thoroughfares
  - Must be a residential block with no businesses

Nutritional Development Services (NDS): 215-895-3470, option 1

Works with a wide variety of summer programs, organizations, and outdoor neighborhood meal sites
Review the NDS list of Frequently Asked Questions HERE

find a site

The 2018 Summer Meals program has ended. The program will start again in mid June 2019. Please check back then for 2019 site information. Use our Summer Meals Map to find a site in your neighborhood that provides summer meals! Call 1-855-252 6325 with any questions you may have.

Find a Site

spread the word

Help us spread the word about summer meals! Use social media templates and graphics to inform your friends and family about the program.

Spread the Word

Flyers & Posters

Download promotional posters and flyers to distribute in your community that advertise the Summer Meals Hotline and phillysummermeals.org

Learn More

Why are summer meals important?

During the school year, thousands of low-income students eat free or reduced-price meals at schools. But when school is out and kids aren't receiving that food, children face higher risks for hunger and malnutrition. Summer meals help to fill that gap, so kids have the nutritious food they need to stay healthy all summer!

How do I find my nearest summer meals site?

Call the toll-free Philly Summer Meals Hotline: 1-855-252-MEAL (6325)
Text "FOOD" to 877877
Visit the searchable map at www.phillysummermeals.org

Can I start a summer meals site in my community?

If you plan to work with children age 18 and under this summer, you may qualify to serve them free meals.

Trainings to be a Summer Meals site in 2019 will begin in May. The following Philadelphia site sponsors can work with you:

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation: 215-685-2725

Runs the Playstreets program (city blocks closed to traffic to provide meals and activities.)

Nutritional Development Services (NDS): 215-895-3470, option1

Works with a wide variety of summer programs and outdoor neighborhood meal sites.

What are the responsibilities of a summer meals site?

Attend a program training by a sponsor. Trainings begin in May.
Supervise meal service and activities at site.
Distribute meals, following USDA guidelines.
Help promote summer meals in your community.
Decide the length of time to provide meals.

Still have questions? Call the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger: 1-855-252-MEAL (6325)
Summer meals are made available by the USDA's Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option. Philadelphia sponsors include the Department of Parks & Recreation, Nutritional Development Services, and the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

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