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 is closed 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. Most neighborhoods in Philadelphia and the suburbs qualify.

Participating sites can offer children lunch and a choice of breakfast or snack. NDS has meals available from June 18 to August 31, 2007. To sign up for the Summer Food Service Program, contact Nutritional Development Services at 215-895-3470.

"NDS is very community oriented, helping to address the nutritional needs of organizations servicing youth," says Rochelle Lewis of the Christian Street YMCA Summer Camp.

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" event on June 27, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. at Camp Overbrook, on the grounds of Saint Charles Seminary, Wynnewood.

Also planned is a "Peace Day" event in mid-July as well as other peace activities.

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.

Contact
Matthew Gambino
Associate Director
215-587-3747