CHICAGO, Aug. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, YMCA of
the USA (Y-USA) announces the distribution of their
100,000,000 meal through the Y's Summer Food Program, part of the
Y's year-round effort to address child hunger by providing
nutritious food, as well as activities, to keep kids' minds and
bodies active when the school year ends. During the school year,
the Y's Afterschool Meal Program provides a combination of learning
activities and healthy meals and/or snacks at the end of the school
day. Both the Y's Summer Food Program and Afterschool Meal Program
are part of the Y's year-round commitment to keeping children
nourished all year long. The 100,000,000 meal was recently served
at the Laurelwood Housing Authority Site, an off-site distribution
location for the Y's Summer Food Program, located in Indianapolis, IN.
In 2011, the Y became a major resource for children and families
in need of healthy meals and snacks in communities across the
nation with the inception of the Y's Summer Food Program, serving
over 5 million nutritious meals and snacks in its pilot year. In
2012, the Afterschool Meal program was added to select Y branches
across the country, and by 2013, impact numbers continued to
successfully grow, assisting hundreds of thousands of kids with the
help of nationwide grant associations, dedicated partnerships, and
increased fundraising efforts. Most recently in 2017, more than 22
million meals were served year-round by the Y at more than 3,900
locations in the U.S.
"The distribution of our 100,000,000 meal is a major milestone
for the Y that inspires us to continue to make a positive impact in
thousands of communities nationwide," said Stacey McDaniel, Specialist, Anti-Hunger
Initiatives at Y-USA. "It is so
important that all children receive the nourishment they need to
remain healthy, active, and engaged throughout the entire year and
the Y is committed to making this a possibility for all children
and families."
To ensure travel is never an obstacle to receive a healthy meal
or snack, the Y distributes meals at off-site locations in many
communities, including parks and schools, allowing children access
to meals even if transportation is unavailable. Additionally,
beginning in 2012, Ys began rolling out mobile food kitchens, now
located in multiple across the U.S. The Y's mobile food kitchens
not only deliver healthy meals and snacks, but Y staff host healthy
cooking demonstrations and presentations for the community inside
the mobile kitchen, organize activities for youth where the kitchen
is present, and have set up additional "Farmer's Market" style
stores with readily accessible and affordable food options for the
community.
The Y's year-round food programs stand out in the fight against
child hunger by not only providing healthy meals and snacks, but
through their enrichment of the quality of the food programs
through activities and healthy eating standards set forth by HEPA
(Healthy Eating and Physical Activity), teaching children how to
make healthy food choices and to enjoy physical activity,
contributing to their social and physical development. In addition
to receiving a healthy meal or snack, the Y provides the means for
youth to be active, learn, grow, and interact with their peers.
At the Laurelwood Housing Authority Site where the Y operates an
off-site Summer Food Program, major strides have been made in
impacting the health and well-being of youth participants in the
program:
- 80% of regular participants earned a "B" or better or improved
their English/Language Arts grade from Fall to Spring
- 99% of regular participants had 1 or fewer suspensions during
the school year
- 93% of students had an increased knowledge of dangers
associated with drugs, alcohol, tobacco, other drugs
The Y is committed to youth development, healthy living and
social responsibility and is working to ensure all kids have access
to nutritious meals. Available in more than 3,900 locations
nationwide, the goal of the Y's year-round food programs is to keep
children healthy, active and well-nourished all year long.
For more information about the Y and to donate, visit
www.ymca.net.
About the Y
The Y is one of the nation's
leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth
development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the
U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children –
regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential
of children and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being,
and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.
Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the
long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to
promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.
ymca.net
Contacts:
Emily Waldren
YMCA of the USA
312-419-8756
media@ymca.net
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SOURCE YMCA of the USA