The Summer Meals Program runs from June 16 through August 22.
Nutritional Development Services (NDS), a ministry of Catholic Charities of Philadelphia, will hold its annual “Blessing of the Summer” at the summer camp of Holy Innocents Catholic Church to highlight its Summer Meals Program.
The Blessing of the Summer will celebrate NDS’ Summer Meals Program theme of “The Art of Hope”, based upon the Universal Church’s year-long observance of the Jubilee Year, Pilgrims of Hope. NDS provides partnering sites with activity resources to help promote hope not only at the sites, but also within the families and cities where the children and youth reside.
Reverend Monsignor Daniel J. Sullivan, President of NDS’ Board, will preside over the blessing. Children who benefit from the Summer Meals Program will be in attendance.
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
11:30 a.m. (Blessing in Cafeteria)
12:00 p.m. (Lunch Service Begins)
Holy Innocents Catholic Church (Parish Hall)
1337 East Hunting Park Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19124
This vital initiative ensures that children and youth aged 18 or younger throughout the Greater Philadelphia area have access to wholesome meals at no cost when school is out of session.
All meals are delivered daily “ready-to-eat” and no preparation is required. Summer Meals sites provide breakfast and lunch. Meals include whole grains, low-fat milk, protein-rich foods, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. In addition, all meals follow federal guidelines for nutrition, and lunches provide children with 1/3 of their daily nutritional requirements.
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Editor’s Note: To sign up for the Summer Meals Program, please call the Summer Meals Hotline at 215-895-3470 option 1. For more information about the Summer Meals Program, please visit https://www.healthymealsforchildren.org/summer-meal-program/summer-meals-program-faq/.
For over 50 years, NDS’ mission has been to serve children and those in need with healthy food and food-related resources. NDS accomplishes its mission in two distinct ways: by administering the federally-funded child nutrition programs and through the privately supported Community Food Program. For more information about NDS, please visit http://nutritionaldevelopmentservices.org/. NDS is an equal opportunity service provider.
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Contact:
Katie Rogers
Media and Events Specialist for Catholic Charities of Philadelphia
215-587-3747 (office)