Nutritional Development Services

Nutritional Development Services (NDS) is a nonprofit organization operating as an agency of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia within the Secretariat for Catholic Human Services. Established to serve children and those in need, NDS provides meals, food assistance, and related support to organizations and communities, continuing the mission of the Archdiocese to assist the poor and vulnerable populations.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Nutritional Development Services is to provide meals, food assistance, and additional support to organizations serving children and the poor, acting as an extension of the service and mission of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia. NDS seeks to nourish children physically through healthy meals in schools, child care centers, after-school programs, and summer programs, while supporting families and individuals in need through community-based food programs.

The organization’s logo symbolizes the Gospel story of the miracle of the loaves and fishes, reflecting its commitment to feeding and nurturing the community it serves[1][4].

Programs and Services

NDS fulfills its mission primarily through two program areas:

• Child Nutrition Programs: Administering federally funded child nutrition initiatives during the school year and summer months, NDS works directly with local schools and child care centers to ensure children have access to nutritious breakfast and lunch meals. During the summer, NDS provides free meals to low-income children in the Philadelphia area who might otherwise lack sufficient access to healthy food[1][4].

• Community Food Program: Through partnerships with parishes, schools, and local groups, NDS helps distribute food to families, senior citizens, and others in need, responding to food insecurity in the region. This program includes support for food cupboards and coordinated food drives, such as an annual Lenten food drive that engages the wider community to donate non-perishable food items benefiting food-insecure families[1][5].

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NDS increased support efforts, continuing to supply food cupboards and Catholic Social Services Family Service Centers with essential items, emphasizing the health and welfare of those served and its staff[3].

Impact and Community Engagement

For over 40 years, Nutritional Development Services has played a critical role in combating hunger and food insecurity in the Philadelphia region. The organization collaborates closely with schools, community partners, and volunteers to reach vulnerable populations, especially children.

Volunteer and fellowship opportunities, such as those provided through partnerships with academic leadership programs, contribute to the operational and programmatic success of NDS. These initiatives also foster community leadership and innovation in food assistance delivery[4].

Organizational Structure

NDS functions under the umbrella of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Secretariat for Catholic Human Services. Its activities align with the broader mission of the Archdiocese to serve the needy and uphold Catholic social teaching related to charity and social justice[1].

Nutritional Development Services continues to address hunger and food insecurity by leveraging both governmental program funding and private community support, reinforcing its vital role as a provider of nourishment and hope in the Philadelphia area.

[1] https://nutritionaldevelopmentservices.org/about/ [2] https://nutritionaldevelopmentservices.org [3] https://nutritionaldevelopmentservices.org/covid19/ [4] https://foxleadership.upenn.edu/fellowships/nutritional-development-services [5] https://nutritionaldevelopmentservices.org/category/news/