NDS School Lunch Program

IMPORTANT UPDATE: We’re bringing all Nutritional Development Services social accounts together in one place!

This page will no longer be active as of April 30, 2026. To make it easier to stay connected, we’ll be sharing all updates and news about NDS School Lunch Program, Summer Meals Program, Community Food Program and Childcare Meals Program on our main Nutritional Development Services account moving forward.

Follow us on Facebook at Nutritional Development Services and now on Instagram at so you don’t miss a thing!

Hey, Philly! Did you know you can get FREE food at a location near you?

From fresh produce to pantry staples, there’s something for everyone.
✅ Easy to access
✅ No paperwork required
✅ Open to ALL Philly residents

For more info visit: phila.gov/food

our ministry “In Philadelphia, nearly one in four people is food insecure — and for children, that number climbs to 30%.”

These are more than statistics. They represent families in our neighborhoods facing impossible choices between healthy meals and affordability.

As SNAP benefits are on pause, Catholic Charities of Philadelphia and our ministry Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (NDS) are working to fill the gap — providing food, care, and hope to those most affected.

Read more from Lizanne F. Hagedorn, Executive Director of NDS, in OSV News here: https://bit.ly/4ouDpe4

You can be part of the solution. Help us keep healthy food within reach for every family, give a gift today: ccphila.org/donate

Reminder to all students, parents, & guardians on this Halloween - Candy should be sweet & SAFE! Follow these tips to ensure those spooky snacks are safe before consuming 👻🎃

Due to the federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits will not be paid until the federal government provides funding for SNAP, and we are unable to begin the 2025-26 LIHEAP season.

For immediate needs during the shutdown, Pennsylvanians can use PA Navigate at pa-navigate.org to help find resources. Local help is also available by visiting pa211.org. For utility assistance, Pennsylvanians can search “utility assistance” at https://www.puc.pa.gov/ or contact their utility companies directly to see what programs are available.

Learn more at dhs.pa.gov/shutdownFAQs