Nutritional Development Services (NDS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is sponsoring its annual
Blessing of the Summer to kick off its Summer Meals Program. Monsignor Daniel Sullivan, President of the NDS Board, will preside over the blessing at Mercy Neighborhood Ministries in North Philadelphia.

Friday, June 21, 2013
12:00 pm
Immediately Followed by Lunch
Mercy Neighborhood Ministries
1939 West Venango Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140

The Summer Meals Program is federally funded, operated nationally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This year the NDS Summer Meals Program runs from June 17th through August 23rd.

In Summer 2012, NDS worked with 468 sites and served over 873,000 meals throughout the Philadelphia region. NDS partners with dedicated community leaders to provide service to families and contribute to the health and well-being of children in Philadelphia and the surrounding area.

So far this year, NDS has coordinated over 400 sites and introduced a new menu. NDS meals follow the new federal guidelines closely. Half of the meal components are now fruits and vegetables. The new menu includes more fresh products, whole grains and skim milk.

Participating sites offer children lunch and a choice of breakfast or a snack. Most Philadelphia and many suburban neighborhoods qualify for the program. Children participating in the program are invited to enter a Creative Writing Contest and a Poster Contest which promotes peace in the community.

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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 Anne Ayella at 267-262-8901.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747