The YMCA's summer food program aims to nourish both bodies and minds with free, farm-fresh lunches and a literary and enrichment program.
The Summer Meals and Activities Program last year served …
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Laila Garrison participated in a Jefferson County YMCA summer program in summer 2015. Leader file photo
The YMCA's summer food program aims to nourish both bodies and minds with free, farm-fresh lunches and a literary and enrichment program.
The Summer Meals and Activities Program last year served 6,000 meals to youths ages 1 through 18.
“Some kids come to summer school without having eaten dinner or breakfast, and can’t learn because of their hunger,” said Chimacum summer school teacher Jill Baker in a press release. “Summer Meals gives students a free nutritious lunch, which makes all the difference.”
Shaune Salter, parent of three boys who attend the YMCA summer program at Mountain View, called the Y a blessing for herself and her boys.
“I’ve noticed that since going to the Y that they really enjoy eating a bigger variety of food, they like to cook at home now and are interested in gardening,” she said.
Food donations to the program are made by the Port Townsend Food Co-op; Dharma Ridge, Finnriver and Colinwood farms; and WSU Jefferson County Extension gleaners.
“Last year, we received fresh spinach, lettuce, carrots and cucumbers, and the kids loved it,” said Summer Meals administrator Sara Ybarra Lopez. “My hope is that farmers, gardeners and gleaners will think of us throughout the summer and help us to offer kids local fruits and vegetables.”
The Y’s summer meals are available from June 26 through Sept. 1 at Brinnon School, Chimacum Elementary School, the Jefferson County Library, Mountain View Commons, Quilcene School and the Jefferson County Rec Center.
Visit olympicpeninsulaymca.org/summermeals for times and details. No registration or proof of need is required. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a School’s Out Washington Feed Your Brain grant, Y-USA Year-Round Food grant and many local donors, including United Good Neighbors (UGN) of Jefferson County.
LITERACY PROGRAM
At three of the meal locations, in Chimacum, Brinnon and Quilcene, a comprehensive literacy and enrichment program is open to kids ages 5-12. Literacy specialists and skilled volunteers provide tutoring, reading activities and outdoor games.
Preregistration for the literacy program is required. Visit the YMCA office at Mountain View Commons, 1925 Blaine St. Those interested in volunteering for these programs can call 385-5811.
