School District of Philadelphia Adds 39 School Sites for Grab-and-Go Meal Distribution

More than six million meals provided for students since school buildings closed due to COVID-19

PHILADELPHIA, PA — This week, the School District of Philadelphia will add 39 sites to its “Grab-and-Go” meals distribution program, making available a total of 102 schools for families to pick up meals for students while school buildings remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The distribution sites, which are open every Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., provide meal kits that ensure students have free, reliable, and nutritious meals even while school buildings are closed. Since March 2020, the District’s Food Services team has distributed more than six million meals.

The “Grab-and-Go” meal kits contain seven breakfasts and seven lunches. Meals can be stored in a freezer until students are ready to heat and eat.  Weekly menus include pantry staples like cereals, breakfast bars, pancakes, and muffins, along with common school lunch items, such as whole-grain chicken nuggets, four-cheese panini sandwiches, bean and cheese burritos and macaroni and cheese. All meal kits include milk, vegetables, and fresh fruit.

“When the pandemic first hit, one of our main concerns was ensuring how our students who rely on the District for access to healthy, nutritious meals could be supported,” said William R. Hite, Jr., Ed.D., Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. “Our Food Services team stepped up and has diligently worked to seamlessly support our students and families during these unprecedented times. Our families have faced many concerns during this pandemic and we can find a little comfort knowing that, at least when it comes to meals for their children, this is one less thing for them to worry about.”

The School District of Philadelphia and City of Philadelphia continue to work together to ensure that all residents, including students, have access to free and nutritious food during the pandemic. Families who need additional food support should visit phila.gov/food or call 311 for help finding a food distribution site or food pantry.

“I’m so proud of the ongoing work to make sure students’ needs are met in spite of the challenges created by COVID-19,” said Deputy Mayor Cynthia Figueroa. “Thanks to the School District’s Food Services team, over seven million meals have been given out and the expansion to over 100 meal distribution sites means that families will have greater and easier access to food throughout the city.”

Families can find more information, including a complete list of “Grab-and-Go” meal and food distribution sites, and an interactive map, at phila.gov/food.