YMCA Food Programs

Food Programs

The YMCA's food programs work year-round to help address hunger. Together, we can make sure every child and family is safe, healthy, and fed.

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.  

  • 57 Million Meals and Snacks

    Ys served over 57 million meals and snacks to children, families, and seniors in 2024. 

  • 2 million People

    Ys fed over 2 million people in 2024. 

Find USDA Summer Meal Sites Near You

USDA works closely with states to ensure that children who receive free or reduced-price school meals can get the nutrition they need when schools are closed for summer break. Through USDA's summer meal programs, approved sites--including YMCAs--in communities across the country serve meals and snacks to kids 18 and younger at no cost. Families can use the USDA's Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder to find directions to nearby meal sites, as well as their hours of operation and contact information

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Nourishing our Communities

Watch more Y stories

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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! 

  • 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.

Food Programs at the Y

The Y feeds kids and families all year long. Many of our programs are focused on afterschool meals, summer meals, and feeding the whole family.  Learn more about the Y’s anti-hunger work and our impact here.

  • Children enjoying free meals at YMCA program

    Summer Food Programs

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    The summer is a particularly vulnerable time for kids who rely on free or reduced-price meals during the school year. At the Y, we know that children who receive daily nutrition are set up to succeed. That’s why we’re helping kids reach their full potential by providing free access to healthy snacks and meals when school’s out for summer.

  • Girl eating a piece of fruit

    Afterschool Food Programs

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    Many families rely on free or reduced-price school meals during the day. However, only 1 in 16 kids who receive free/reduced lunch also participate in the afterschool meal program.  With support from community partners, we can ensure children have access to nutritious meals during this critical out-of-school time. 

    We also believe in the importance of active minds and bodies. Ys provide learning enrichment and physical activities, as well as healthy meals, at afterschool meal programs. 

  • YMCA volunteer handing out food.

    Feeding the Whole Family

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    More people are experiencing hunger in the United States now than in previous years, including more of your neighbors than you may realize. In fact, every county in the United States has hunger.   

    As hunger is at its highest level since the Great Recession, Ys are a critical part of the food access landscape. Every day Ys are stepping up to meet community needs by feeding people of all ages, including kids, adults, and seniors.

Volunteers at YMCA food program

Food Insecurity Demands Our Ongoing Attention

In a recent blog post, YMCA of the USA President & CEO Suzanne McCormick explains why the Y's summer food programs are so critical and why food insecurity in the U.S. demands our ongoing attention and action.

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Find Your Y

Search below for a Y near you and contact them to learn about their food programs. 

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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.

  • 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.

  • Safety Around Water Program

    Our safety-focused program allows kids to have fun, build skills and gain confidence in and around water.

  • 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.

Help Provide Healthy Meals in Your Community

The Y relies on donations from individuals and corporate partners to ensure that no child has to worry about where their next meal will come from. Please donate or reach out to [email protected] to learn how you can support these efforts today.