Local YMCA to provide free meals to kids during summer

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – On Wednesday, Family YMCA of Greater Augusta announced they will be providing free meals to children all summer long through the Summer Food Service Program in partnership with Bright from the Start.

Thousands of meals will be provided daily to children at YMCA locations and partner sites across Burke, Columbia, McDuffie, Jefferson and Richmond counties in Georgia and Aiken and Barnwell counties in South Carolina, officials say.

“It’s heartbreaking how many children don’t have access to nutritious food when school is out for the summer,” said Catie McCauley, chief operating officer at the Y. “That’s why our Summer Food Program is critical in ensuring no child goes hungry.”

Aside from the summer program, Cheryl’s Kitchen Food Program is part of the YMCA’s year-round effort to address child hunger.

Since March 2020, the Y has provided more than 3.1 million meals and snacks to individuals in need.

Also, all area YMCA locations also serve as food pantries through Golden Harvest Food Bank. Shelf-stable groceries can be picked up on weekdays from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

HERE’S A LIST OF ALL SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM MEAL SITES:

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