West Broad Street YMCA Joins National Effort to Feed Hungry Children

West Broad Street YMCA Recieves Grant from JCPenney

This summer, the West Broad Street YMCA is offering nutritious meals to more than 150 children in Savannah at no cost.

By: Kim Gusby | WSAV News 3
Published: July 08, 2011

Savannah, GA --

Millions of children and families are at greater risk for hunger during the summer months. Typically, when the school year ends, so do free meals for millions of children in low-income households who depend on them most.

This summer, the West Broad Street YMCA is offering nutritious meals to more than 150 children in Savannah at no cost, thanks to a $5,000 grant from YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) and Walmart. The effort is a part of the national Summer Food Service Program. The program, run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides free meals to children aged 18 and under while school is out of session. This summer, more than 300 Ys across the country will provide 7 million meals to 70,000 children.

According to the USDA, 19.5 million low-income children receive free or reduced-cost meals during the school year, including over 150 children in Savannah. As part of the West Broad Street YMCA's summer food program, children aged 18 and under will continue to receive two meals a day.

The West Broad Street YMCA's summer food program received funding as part of Walmart's Summer Giving Campaign - a broad $25 million initiative aimed at filling the gaps created when schools close this summer. The initiative will help expand nutrition, learning and employment services to more than 110,000 U.S. middle and high school students throughout the summer months. Walmart contributed a $3 million grant to Y-USA to address child hunger.

For more information, call: 912 233 1951 or visit: www.westbroadstreetymca.org

To make a donation: http://www.causes.com/donations/select_donation_method?cause_id=363673