Summer Food Service To Help Feed Children

By John Ostapkovich

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The city of Philadelphia is backing a major program to fill the summer food gap.

Carie Morgan, executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger, says the summer can be and should be a carefree time, but it can also be a hungry time.

"So many of our children rely on school food services, but what happens when school is over? Well, they rely on the Summer Food Service program," says Morgan.

Mayor Nutter says that last year the program handed out about 2.8 million meals to about 90,000 young people, and estimates that about 40,000 more were eligible but un-served.

"With over a thousand sites in Philadelphia at rec centers, at churches, at WIC sites…the Summer Food Service if very easy to access," explains Morgan.

City residents can call 311 for a nearby site, or click HERE for more information.