PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The City of Philadelphia and the School District have unveiled summer programs and opportunities for kids.
Perhaps one of the most successful programs since the start of the pandemic is the Grab and Go meal kits for families that began in March 2020.
Lisa Norton with School District Food Services said that program will continue through the summer.
“Last week, we served our 10 millionth meal since the beginning of our Grab and Go meals program," said Norton.
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“We are excited to announce that we will continue to support students over the summer with expanded hours.”
Since the district will be closed next week on Friday, meals will be available on Thursday at 102 school sites between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
“Grab and Go meal kits will continue to be offered every Friday throughout the summer," Norton said.
Deputy Mayor Cynthia Figueroa adds there are also parks and rec summer camps and job opportunities, as well as community-based activities that will be happening when school is out.
She said they’ve able to extend their programs through their partnership with the school district.
"We’re adding a considerable number of athletic and other community-based programs into school district sites," said Figueroa.
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One specific summer program being featured is the Playstreets program.
“We are thrilled to have 8,000 slots for older kids to have a paid work experience through the summer, and those are intended to be in-person or hybrid," said Figueroa.
"Last year, we were only able to connect with 6,000 kids, and it was all virtual.”
Ali Robinson-Rogers, who serves in post-secondary readiness at the school district, said that this summer, they’re expanding their traditional summer school.
“To offer in-person academic support, so that every student has the opportunity to continue learning during the summer months in a fun and safe environment," said Robinson-Rogers.
Click here for more information on the city's summer programs.