By Grace Park, VISTA Community Engagement Communications Coordinator, Office of Children and Families
Please note: For 2021 December holidays, please go to phila.gov/food for up-to-date food and meal distributions
Many Philadelphians need free food this year due to challenges caused by COVID-19. Due to the holidays and schools’ winter breaks, the regular schedule for many food and meal distributions will change.
Please read for where to find free food for your household as well as updates about schedule changes, temporary site closures, and food sites that will be open during the December winter holidays.
Student Meal Sites
Students and caregivers can pick up student meals (seven breakfasts and seven lunches) for the week on Wednesday, December 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the School District’s student meal sites. The School District of Philadelphia will be closed for its usual Friday food distribution on December 25 and January 1.
Student meal sites will resume to normal distribution on Friday, January 8, 2021.
Families are encouraged to use food sites and food pantries during the winter break. Find a site and confirm its schedule by calling 311 or visiting phila.gov/food.
Food Sites
Many food sites listed on phila.gov/food will be closed for food distribution on Thursday, December 24 and Thursday, December 31 due to the Christmas and New Years Eve holiday.
Outdoor Meal Sites
Some outdoor meal sites will be closed for meal distribution on December 24 and 25, and on January 1. Individuals can find a meal on those dates at the following outdoor meal sites. Several additional sites will be open on December 25.
Any resident is eligible. No ID or proof of income is required. One meal per resident.
Thursday, December 24
Philadelphia Parking Authority Lot
1829 E Clearfield St, 19134
1PM – 3PM
SEAMAAC South Philly Meals
2230 S 8th St, 19148
11:30AM – 1PM
Thomas Paine Plaza
1401 John F Kennedy Blvd, 19102
3PM – 4PM
Friday, December 25
Philadelphia Parking Authority Lot
1829 E Clearfield St, 19134
1PM – 3PM
Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission
302 N 13th St, 19107
1PM – 5PM
Kingdom Keepers Outreach Ministries
1800 W Ben Franklin Parkway, 19103
11AM – 2PM
Chosen 300 Center City
1116 Spring Garden St, 19123
Starts at 5PM
Feeding 5000
Logan Square
Starts at 9AM
Our Brother’s Place
907 Hamilton St, 19123
12PM – 1PM
Prevention Point
1829 E Clearfield St, 19134
11:30AM – 1PM
Church of the Advocate
1801 Diamond St, 19121
12PM – 1PM
St. Francis Inn
2441 Kensington Ave, 19125
11:30AM – 1PM
Chosen 300 West
3959 Lancaster Ave, 19104
Starts at 10AM
University City Hospitality Coalition
401 S 42nd St, 19104
Starts at 6PM
Friday, January 1
Philadelphia Parking Authority Lot
1829 E Clearfield St, 19134
1PM – 3PM
SEAMAAC South Philly Meals
2230 S 8th St, 19148
11:30AM – 1PM
Need additional food for your family?
- Download a list of food resources during COVID-19.
- Call 311 for help finding a food pantry. Make sure to call the pantry in advance to confirm their hours.
- Call the WhyHunger hotline at 1-800-5HUNGRY to find food pantries near you, or text your zip code to 1-800-548-6479 to receive a list of nearby food pantries.