For the 12th consecutive year, Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (NDS) will hold its annual Blessing of the Summer to kick off its Summer Meals Program.
Reverend Monsignor Daniel J. Sullivan, President of NDS’ Board, will preside over the blessing at Catholic Social Services’ Northeast Philadelphia Family Service Center.
Thursday, June 28, 2018
11:30 a.m.
Northeast Philadelphia Family Service Center
7340 Jackson Street
Philadelphia, PA 19136
The Summer Meals Program is federally funded and operated nationally by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In our area, it is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This year the NDS Summer Meals Program runs from June 18 through August 24.
Last year, NDS’ Summer Meals Program served approximately 400 sites throughout the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area. It provided over 750,000 meals including breakfasts, snacks, lunches, and suppers to children who otherwise would have struggled to obtain nutritious food sources.
Ms. Brooke Mullen, Assistant Director of Community Relations for NDS, said “The reality is that hunger does not take a break in the summer, so spreading the word that nutritious meals are available at no cost to students 18 years and younger is essential. The kickoff is a fun, interactive event for students to get excited about the summertime, while encouraging children throughout the city and surrounding counties to look for sites in their area and spread the word that delicious meals are available.”
This summer, CSS Northeast Philadelphia Family Service Center will be one of over 400 summer meals sites partnering with NDS to provide healthy meals to children. Participating sites offer children aged 18 years or younger, a box lunch and choice of breakfast or snack. Most Philadelphia and many suburban neighborhoods qualify for the program.
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Editor’s Note: To sign up for the Summer Meals Program or for more information on Nutritional Development Services, please call Ms. Brooke Mullen at 267-262-8901 or the NDS Summer Meals Hotline at 215-895-3470 option 1.