The City of Philadelphia has set into motion its annual Philly Summer Meals program for children and teenagers, officially commencing at Heitzman Recreation Center with an afternoon filled with resources, activities, food, and music. As reported by the City of Philadelphia, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker emphasizes, "No child living in Philadelphia should worry about food or wonder where their next warm meal will come from". This initiative is designed to alleviate such pressures, by providing nutritious meals throughout summertime while school is not in session.

With collaborations that span across multiple community, governmental, and educational sectors— including Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese, the School District of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Housing Authority —over 500 free food sites will be accessible to individuals up to the age of 18. The program's start will be on Monday, June 17, with no student ID, proof of citizenship, or prior registration required, although the USDA mandates that meals should be consumed on-site. Vanessa Garrett Harley, Chief Deputy Managing Director for the Office of Children and Families stated, as per the City of Philadelphia, "The summer meals program is an incredible, community-based effort that ensures our children are food secure until the next school year begins."

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner, Susan Slawson, noted that more than 6,000 children at summer day camps and others participating in the PlayStreets program will benefit from free nourishment during their summer engagements. Meanwhile, Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D. highlighted to the City of Philadelphia, "We are thankful to our partners, who collectively support our families and provide them with access to meals at District sites and across the City during summer months when school is not in session."

The USDA is also introducing a new initiative, the Summer EBT, also called SUN Bucks, which provides eligible children with $120 to purchase groceries over the summer period, according to USDA Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Acting Under Secretary, Kumar Chandran. This program complements the existing provision of meals at local sites. Furthermore, Philadelphia's concerted efforts strive to tackle the pressing issue of food insecurity, which Jean Falk, a Registered Dietician with Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese, relates directly to a child's well-being and academic success. 

Details about summer meal sites, how to find them and the operational times are available on the city's dedicated webpage, while families can also text "FOOD" or "COMIDA" to 304-304 to receive instant info on nearby food sites. Kacie Hershey, a dairy farmer at Ar-Joy Farms and a partner in the initiative concludes with a heartfelt endorsement of the program's reach and impact, asserting, per the City of Philadelphia, "This is a great way to connect with students and answer their questions about where their food comes from."