CENTRE COUNTY — The YMCA of Centre County has expanded its Anti-Hunger School Backpack Program to Clearfield Elementary School, assisting even more kids in Central Pennsylvania facing food insecurity.
The implementation of the Clearfield Elementary School Backpack Program kicked off on Friday, Nov. 15, with the first delivery of backpacks.
The expansion has brought the reach of the Y’s Anti-Hunger Program to 1,523 backpacks distributed each week across the schools.
“We are thrilled to be expanding our reach to Clearfield Elementary,” Mel Curtis, YMCA of Centre County’s Anti-Hunger Program director, said. “With this addition, we can ensure that even more children have the resources they need to stay healthy, happy and ready to learn. This is a true community effort, and we are grateful to all the volunteers, donors and partners who have helped make this possible.”
Centre County YMCA’s Backpack program was created to help kids in need have access to nutritious snacks and meals on the weekends. The goal is to ensure that students can routinely have healthy food options, even when school isn’t in session. The program has been around for more than 10 years, and the expansion to Clearfield Elementary reflects the Y being able to meet local growing demands.
Through the Anti-Hunger Backpack Program, students get a backpack full of food each Friday containing breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack for Saturday and Sunday.
Other areas and schools the program serves includes Bald Eagle Area School District, Philipsburg-Osceola School District, Clearfield Area School District, Bellefonte Area School District, West Branch School District, Cen Clear, Penns Valley Area School District, State College Area School District, Moshannon Valley School District, Soaring Heights School, Young Scholars School and Libert Curtin Elementary School.
The YMCA of Centre County is a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities with opportunities, resources and relationships. More information about the YMCA and its Anti-Hunger programs, including how to get involved, can be found at ymcaocc.org.
