Free meals being served up for students across Philadelphia this summer

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia kicked off the free summer meal program for youth and teens at McPherson Square Park and Library on Tuesday afternoon.

City departments and local agency sponsors transformed the park into a fun playscape for children and provided resources to families. When it was time, they also served a free lunch which included a chicken sandwich, fruit cup, a bag of carrots and milk.

"Very grateful to have certain people that does things like this to help everybody out. Even the smallest things count," said Missy Velazquez.

City leaders including the mayor, superintendent and school board members attended the event to raise awareness on the importance of bridging the gap for meals until the return to school in the fall.

The Department of Parks and Recreation describes summer as its super bowl season with planning happening all year round. The Interim Commissioner Orlando Rendon said free summer meals are the foundation of their program.

"We pull out all the stops to give every child in the city a chance to have fun, make memories and enjoy themselves over summer break. None of that is possible on an empty stomach," said Rendon.

Maria Rivas is known as "the lunch lady" at McPherson Library, volunteering her summers every year since 2009 to feed children.

"I’m born to help people. I love to give them some meals and talk to them. Some of them, this is their only lunch and snack that they have in the day," said Rivas.

Former Eagles player Jason Avant was a special guest who is showing his support for the program.

"Make sure that you’re exercising and eating healthy throughout the summer, and don’t talk about it be about it. Fight for your goals and dreams. That’s what we did and became successful," said Avant.

There are over 300 free meal sites around the city. Children zero to 18-years-old are eligible and no paperwork or identification is necessary.

To find the location nearest you, visit phila.gov/food and type in your address.

You can also call the Coalition Against Hunger’s Summer Meals Hotline at 215-770-4659.

Also, you can text "FOOD" or "COMIDA" to 304-304.