All kids deserve access to healthy and nutritious foods.

In March 2020, as the country began to shut down due to COVID-19, food insecurity rates across the country skyrocketed. Months later, the number of children facing hunger is at its highest in 25 years. Before the pandemic, 1 in 7 children were at risk of hunger. Now, that number is 1 in 4.

YMCAs across the country quickly mobilized to provide Grab and Go meals, grocery delivery and freshly prepared meals for the whole family. Learn how Ys are feeding their communities during the COVID-19 crisis and see a map of Y-affiliated emergency food distribution sites here.

Want to help fight hunger in your community? Contact your local Y to find out how you can donate your time or money to help ensure all kids have the healthy foods they need to reach their full potential.

Contact your local Y

Out-of-School Time Meal Program

Almost 18 million children and teens under 18 live with food insecurity, meaning they lack access to healthy, affordable foods. And when the school day ends, many of these youth are at risk of going hungry, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Thanks to our partnership with the Walmart Foundation Opens a new window, the Y is able to ensure children have access to meals during this critical out-of-school time.

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As part of our focus on empowering all children to reach their full potential, the Y is committed to keeping kids nourished all year long. At more than 2,500 out-of-school time programs across the country, YMCAs are providing learning enrichment and physical activities to keep minds and bodies active, while also serving healthy food.

Across 5,200 summer and afterschool food program sites, YMCAs annually serve 22 million meals and snacks to children.