Free meals available to all children in North Penn this summer!

USDA’s Summer Food Service Program helps ensure that no child goes hungry when school is out.

North Penn School District (NPSD) is partnering once again this year with Manna on Main Street, the North Penn United Way and North Penn Community Health Foundation to offer this program locally and help bridge the hunger gap that children may experience during the summer months.

In the NPSD, 27% of children receive free and/or reduced price meals during the school year; two elementary schools have greater than 50% enrollment. During the summer, these boys and girls - and all children - need continued access to affordable, nutritious meals. “North Penn SD recognizes the need to bridge the hunger gap by providing meals through the USDA Summer Food Service Program,” said Pam Gallagher, Coordinator of School Nutrition Services at NPSD. “We are finding that families are looking for nutritional resources to help them get through the summer. If we can assist families, then our mission is accomplished. Feeding children is our primary goal; this program helps us by providing the necessary funding to make it happen!”

In summer 2015, the NPSD will partner with a range of community organizations to distribute healthy meals and snacks to children throughout the region. Although this program particularly benefits children from low-income households, all children age 1-18 are eligible to participate. “During our pilot (2014) summer, approximately 500 children were fed at 20 community sites. This summer, we hope to expand the number of children fed so that more boys and girls have access to free, healthy meals. Child food insecurity is a troubling concern in our community, with a 14% child food insecurity rate in Montgomery County. We want all boys and girls to have access to the vitamins and nutrients they need to grow and succeed,” states Suzan Neiger Gould, Manna on Main Street’s Executive Director.

To receive free breakfast, lunch and/or snacks this summer, children and their families should visit the district's website for a partial list of all participating organizations. While the meals at these sites are free, many sites have paid camp or program registration processes. However, other sites are completely free and do not require registration. Manna on Main Street will offer free lunches for children age 1-18 between 12-1pm, Monday-Friday.

Additionally, beginning June 22nd a mobile lunch van will provide lunch to any child in the community.

Catch the van at:

• Oak Park Elementary School at 500 Squirrel Lane, Lansdale PA 19446 from 11:45am-12:30pm
• Hatfield Community Pool at 2500 N. Chestnut Street, Hatfield PA 19440 from 11:00 am -11:30am, Monday-Friday.

This summer, all children will have access to free, nutritious meals, helping to build a stronger, healthier community!

The North Penn Community Health Foundation provided a grant in support of this program.