Philadelphia launched its Free Summer Meals Program for children and teens. Here’s what you need to know.

In Philadelphia, the end of the school year ushers in not only the summer season, but also free meals for children across the city. The Free Summer Meals Program, which kicked off at the Heitzman Recreation Center, celebrated its launch with numerous special guests, including the Eagles cheerleaders and mascot Swoop.

As an initiative aiming to combat food insecurity and bridge the gap between the end and start of the school year, this program invites children and their families to partake in resources, activities, music, and of course, nutritious food. The program is designed to supplement the meals children receive during the school year, allowing them to enjoy nutritious meals all summer long.

“No child living in Philadelphia should worry about food or wonder where their next warm meal will come from,” Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said. “The city’s summer meals program helps ease that worry by making nutritious meals available to our young people while school is out of session. I am incredibly proud of the collaboration across community, government, schools, and social services that made this happen, keeping hundreds of meal sites open across the city again this season.”

What to know

Children and teenagers up to 18 years of age are welcome to visit the Heitzman Center and over 500 other sites slated to open by July 1st to access a free, nutritious, and delicious meal. The goal of the program is to ensure that the nutritional needs of the city’s younger population are met, even when school is not in session.

The full list of free meal sites and serving times can be found here. With this tool, you can also find free food sites for the general public, adults, and older adults. There is also information about food assistance and benefits for Philadelphia residents.