Nutritional Development Services (NDS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is working to make sure that children in the five-county area don't go hungry when school closes this summer. As a sponsor of the Summer Food Service Program, NDS ensures that low-income children continue to grow and learn during the summer by providing free nutritious meals.

Over 550 sites and 24,000 children receive lunch each summer from NDS. Eligible programs are located at approved sites that are either in low-income areas or serve a group of children, most of whom are low-income. Participating sites can offer children lunch and a choice of breakfast or snack. NDS has meals available from June 12 to September 1 this year.

NDS joins the efforts of the Archdiocese to promote peace in our community. Taking "Peace" as its summer theme, NDS will sponsor a "Blessing of the Summer" in June and "Peace Day" in mid-July. It is also sponsoring a poster and creative writing contest that focuses on peace, specifically how children can promote peace in their own lives and community.

The Summer Food Service Program for Children is a federally funded program operated nationally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the PA Department of Education.

To sign up for the Summer Food Service Program, contact Nutritional Development Services at 215-895-3470.

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Contact
Matthew Gambino
Associate Director
215-587-3747