One in five children in the U.S. doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from.
One in five children in the U.S. doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from.
At the Y, we believe food and nutrition are tools to address social isolation and loneliness and to build healthier, connected communities.
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57 Million Meals and Snacks
Ys served over 57 million meals and snacks to children, families, and seniors in 2024.
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2 million People
Ys fed over 2 million people in 2024.
Nourishing our Communities
Watch more Y stories
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The Y Feeds Kids: Partnering to Address Hunger
Like many Ys, the La Crosse Area Family YMCA in La Crosse, Wisc., utilizes USDA meal programs to provide nutritious meals to kids in out-of-school time programs and over the summer. Ys across the country are serving meals to kids and families every day.
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Innovation in Action: YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina
Throughout the year, the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina finds creative ways to serve meals and snacks to kids and families. By working to understand the needs of the community, the Y is able to bring nutritious meals and snacks to areas with unique needs.
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Food for the Soul: Responding to Hurricane Helene
After Hurricane Helene caused immense damage in western North Carolina, the YMCA of Greater Boston and the YMCA of Centre County (PA) loaded trucks with thousands of pounds of food and supplies. Volunteers from both Ys drove for hours to replenish the YMCA of Western North Carolina's warehouse to meet community needs in a time of crisis!
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Supporting Food Security in Our Community: YMCA of Greater Boston
In 2021 the YMCA of Greater Boston opened its first ever food distribution center in East Boston. The distribution center is an active warehouse where fresh fruits, vegetables and pantry items are assembled and loaded on trucks for delivery to families. Over 4,000 grocery bags are made available daily and distributed to more than 45 sites across the city of Boston.
More Learning and Growth Beyond School
Healthy eating is just one of our many out-of-school initiatives. Discover more programs that encourage kids to establish healthy habits and develop life skills.
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Child Care
To support parents and caregivers, we provide a safe, enriching place for children to learn and grow through our child care, out-of-school time and afterschool programs.
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Safety Around Water Program
Our safety-focused program allows kids to have fun, build skills and gain confidence in and around water.
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Healthy Kids Day
In an effort to keep kids active during the summer, Ys host an annual event where families can learn and play together.