Increased Need, Increased Response
The Y’s hunger relief programs play a pivotal, year-round role in ensuring children have healthy meals and snacks to help them reach their full potential. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp increase in food insecurity, nearly doubling the number of children who were facing hunger and leading many to turn to meal sites for the first time.
Fortunately, given our breadth and experience in providing healthy meals to children, the Y was uniquely qualified to meet this tremendous increase in demand for food across entire communities. Between March 2020 and February 2021, the Y provided 56 million meals and snacks to children, families and seniors, a 155% increase from previous years.
Even as communities reopen, hunger rates are expected to remain high for months and, likely, years to come. Nationwide, the Y continues to provide 3.5 million healthy meals and 4 million pounds of groceries each month. But none of this work is possible without support from individuals and corporate partners. Join us to support this vital work.
Partnerships on the Ground
YMCAs across the country continue to forge unique partnerships to meet their communities’ increased need for meals. Discover their stories.
Watch more Y stories
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Houston Rallies to Meet COVID-19 Needs
When COVID-19 first shut down the country, YMCA of Greater Houston was there to ensure community members were still getting the nutritious groceries they needed.
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Greenville Discovers Community Need is Greater Than Anticipated
When the YMCA of Greenville started packing weekly grocery boxes for families, they quickly discovered that the need was much greater than first anticipated.
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Crossroads Makes Key Partnership
Crossroads YMCA established a partnership with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana to help provide nutritious meals and snacks to anyone who visits the YMCA.
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Donors Help Take Cass and Clay Counties’ Food Program on the Road
At the YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties, donors helped purchase a food truck, allowing the Y to reach those who need food but do not have access to transportation.
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Los Angeles Provides 24-Hour Food Access through Painted Pantry Project
The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles partnered with the Painted Pantry Project to allow 24-hour access to healthy foods, ensuring everyone can receive healthy foods at any time of day.
Advocate for Summer Meals at the Y!
The Y advocates for policies that will strengthen communities by empowering young people, improving health and well-being and inspiring action. Join the YMCA Advocates Action Network today to help support the Y’s food programs. Take action by asking Congress to support the bipartisan Summer Meals Act!