Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia served over 1.5 million meals during summer 2002 but hopes to serve many more than that during summer 2003. This year's theme is "Whole Child - Whole Summer." NDS is spreading the word about its Summer Food Service Program which is available to summer camps, churches or community groups. Most organizations in Philadelphia and many in the suburbs qualify for this program which provides free meals to children from two to 18.

The Summer Food Service Program begins June 16, 2003 and ends on August 29, 2003. It is a federally funded program that provides children with a nutritious daily lunch and breakfast or a snack The meals are delivered daily to program sites which can qualify if they commit to serving a minimum of 25 children per day for at least one week during the summer. The food and the delivery are free.

The Summer Food Service Program serves children of all denominations; approximately 90% of whom are non-Catholic. This program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and is sponsored in the Philadelphia area by Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Department of Recreation and the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

To find out if a particular program qualifies to participate in the Summer Food Service Program, call Nutritional Development Services at 215 - 895 - 3470.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Broadcast and Media Specialist
215-587-3747