Summer is a vulnerable time for kids who rely on free or reduced-price meals during the school year, writes Erin Hawkins for the YMCA.
“At the Y, we know that children who receive daily …
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Summer is a vulnerable time for kids who rely on free or reduced-price meals during the school year, writes Erin Hawkins for the YMCA.
“At the Y, we know that children who receive daily nutrition are set up to succeed. That’s why we’re helping kids and families reach their full potential by providing free meals when school is out for summer,” she stated.
The Y is serving more than 105 families this summer with its free food box program. Families will pick up their food boxes provided by the Y at Mountain View Commons and the Jefferson County Public Library on Tuesdays through Aug. 29 and at Brinnon Community Center and Quilcene Community Center on Wednesdays through Aug. 30. Families have already signed up to receive summer food boxes, but any family in urgent need of food can email meals@olympicpeninsulaymca.org.
If children or families are unable to access these pickup locations, Y staff and volunteers can deliver a select number of meals in the Y on the Fly van outfitted with a refrigeration unit.
“Providing meals to families when school is out for the summer is especially important for kids who receive free and reduced lunch during the school year,” said Wendy Bart, Olympic Peninsula YMCA CEO.
The Y is also providing free breakfast and lunch to kids up to 18-years-old Monday through Thursday at Brinnon School cafeteria through Aug. 3 and Chimacum Creek Primary School cafeteria through Aug. 10. Meals must be eaten on site.
The Y is always looking for volunteers to help prepare and distribute food for summer meals.
“Volunteers are essential to meal prep and meal distribution, and we’re so grateful to have a great pool of dedicated folks of all ages,” said Keira Matkins, YMCA Food Security Coordinator.
First Federal Foundation provided the Y with a $25,000 grant to purchase a large walk-in refrigerator and to support the Y’s family food boxes. The large refrigeration unit will allow the Y to store perishable food on site at Mountain View Commons. The refrigeration unit was delivered the last week in July and is expected to be installed soon.
