Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia continues its work of helping to keep children well fed and healthy as The Summer Food Service Program begins on Monday, June 18, 2001 and runs until August 31, 2001. Meals will be served approximately at 600 sites throughout the Philadelphia area including at camps, bible schools and enrichment programs. 72 of these sites are new locations. For the past four years, more than one million meals have been served each summer. In 2000, the program served 1.6 million meals and Nutritional Development Services expects to serve a similar number this summer.

Recipients are typically ages four to twelve. They will receive either breakfast, lunch or a snack. The meals typically consist of sandwiches, milk and fresh fruit. Healthy, nutritious meals are the goal of The Summer Food Service Program and teaching children about nutrition will be a focus in the summer of 2001. There will be educational programs offered by Nutritional Development Services at approximately 100 of the sites to help children understand the benefits of proper nutrition.

The Summer Food Service Program serves children of all denominations; approximately 90% of the children 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.

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