This story originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.
The YMCA of Centre County’s Anti-Hunger Program is kicking off its free Summer Food Program to “help kids get their fill of food and fun.”
The program begins in June and distributes weekly meal packages with breakfast and lunch. There are nine sites across the county where parents can pick up the bulk meal packages for their children. A list of sites will be released in the coming weeks at ymcaocc.org. The program is open to all kids 18 and under.
“In order for kids to maintain good health, they need proper nourishment and activities to keep their minds and bodies active,” Mel Curtis, YMCA of Centre County Anti-Hunger program director, said. “The Y’s Summer Food Program will help kids stay well-nourished, active and energized, while also providing relief for families who need extra support when school is out.”
The YMCA of Centre County also provides additional summer programming for kids and families at all of its branches: Bellefonte, Moshannon Valley, Penns Valley and State College.
“The Y is committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, and works to ensure that all children have access to nutritious meals and healthy food options so they can thrive outside of the classroom,” the organization wrote in a press release.
Additionally, the YMCA of Centre County recently announced a $20,000 donation to the Y’s Backpack Program from Penn State Credit Union to help continue the fight against hunger.
“The Penn State Federal Credit Union’s continued financial support is extremely important to the success and sustainability of the Backpack Program,” Curtis said. “Their donation to support this program has made a major impact in many children’s lives so they have food for the weekend. Their passion to help others is greatly appreciated and very sincere because they recognize that no child should ever go hungry.”
The YMCA of Centre County’s Backpack Program is a service for kids and families countywide dealing with food insecurity. Launched in November 2014 in just one school district, the program has grown to serve eight local districts and each week during the school year, the Y distributes backpacks filled with food to more than 1,300 local kids.
The program is primarily supported by volunteers who pack and deliver the backpacks to schools, where each Friday, the participating students pick up a backpack with snacks and meals to take home over the weekend. The students return the empty backpacks on the following Monday to be refilled for the next weekend.
“The Penn State Federal family is pleased to be a part of the Backpack Program again this school year. As a not-for-profit financial institution, it is our mission to give back to the community. And a child fed for the weekend is a success story. Thank you to the YMCA for being there for the kids.” Cheryl Barr, CEO of Penn State Federal Credit Union, said.
According to the YMCA, no child is turned away from the Backpack Program. More information on how to enroll in the Backpack Program can be found by contacting the child’s specific school.
The program currently serves Bald Eagle, Bellefonte, Moshannon Valley, Philipsburg-Osceola, Penns Valley, State College and West Branch Area School Districts.
