The YMCA Hunger Initiatives are dedicated to reducing the hunger gap in our community. Our mission is to bring fresh, locally grown products into the meals we serve in the YMCA Childcare, Central Teen Center and the community. Additionally, we aim to increase the community’s knowledge of growing their own food, fostering self-sufficiency and healthier eating habits. We utilize our Valley Y Greenhouse and North Y Garden to not only grow fresh food but to provide opportunities for education and collaboration with the community.
Our efforts are strengthened through partnerships with esteemed organizations, including Growing Neighbors, Spokane Community Garden Alliance, Windermere Community Group, Spokane International Rescue Committee, YMCA Sports Department, and Rick Clark from Giving Back Spokane. Together, we work towards creating a more food-secure and sustainable community.
Childcare Centers:
Early Learning programs at the Central Y and Eastern Washington University serve meals made from scratch using whole foods. Young children in our preschool programs explore a variety of fruits and vegetables, enhancing their taste buds for healthy foods.
Summer Meals:
Breakfast and lunch are free and available for all children 18 yrs and younger. Regardless of their participation in our programs, any child is welcome to eat with us. Students who receive free or reduced lunch during the school year experience significant food insecurity during the summer months. The YMCA is committed to making sure the youth in our community receive the nutrition they need year-round thanks to the Summer Food Service Program.
The Summer Food Service Program is a federally-funded, state-administered program. Summer Meals Toolkit.
After School Meals:
All 19 of the Y’s after school sites provide healthy, nutritious snacks as part of the program. At the Central Y, after school dinners are served to all teens in the Teen Center, including newcomer children and teens from World Relief during the school year.
If you would like more information on the YMCA’s Hunger Initiatives or how you can partner with us, please contact Angela Hanni at 509 777 9622 x 4160.
YMCA Hunger Initiatives Featured in Power Up Your Program Newsletter!
Angela Hanni, our Hunger Initiatives Coordinator, was highlighted as a success story by Power Up Your Program- is a Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), that provides child nutrition professionals with training and resources to enhance student and family engagement in their programs. Read the Success Story to learn more about the fantastic work Angela is doing for our community!