In a time where “social distancing” is encouraged to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), it is important to remember those whose source of food access may be impacted. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1 in 5 children in the United States lives in a home that struggles to put food on its table, with New Jersey ranking 44 in the nationwide percentage of "food-insecure children". While it is important to maintain physical distances during this time, we as a community can still come together in our hearts by giving and donating to those who need support.
Throughout the school year, the Summit Area YMCA partners with local organizations and the Community Food Bank to run The Family Packs Program, which provides supplemental weekend meals to up to 140 hungry children every Friday during the school year. Due to the unexpected and unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, our local schools have closed and our staff and volunteers need to stay home in order to “flatten the curve.” However, the threat of food insecurity has only become more dire.
“Feeding America,” the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, has stated that “many may not realize food-insecure households are likely more susceptible to the virus. This is believed to be due to lesser access to adequate health care, lower resistance or compromised immune systems, stigma or bias, or lack of information about proper prevention and care.”
Despite current events, the Summit Area YMCA has always been and will always be committed to Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. We are committed to ensuring every individual has access to opportunities to reach their full potential, in and outside of the Y. Starting Wednesday, March 18, we will be collecting food and supplies at the Summit YMCA to be given to GRACE, Family Promise and other local families in need. Please drop off items at the Cedar Street Entrance, where there will be boxes asking for the following items:
Personal items |
Food |
Cleaning Supplies |
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Your commitment and contribution will help families and children in our community in immeasurable ways.
To learn more about the Summit Area YMCA’s impact on the community from our members, visit: www.thesay.org/impact
See below for additional resources for food access:
Meals are available for pickup from Summit High School as well as Jefferson Elementary School with a student ID and/or Pin# from either location regardless of the student’s home school.
Anyone receiving or in need of SNAP food assistance may call Social Services at 908-965-2700 for assistance by phone
New Jersey Community Food Bank visit www.cfbnj.org to learn more
The SAGE Meals on Wheels and HomeCare programs continue to provide essential services, call at 908-273-5550 for additional information and assistance.
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About the Summit Area YMCA
The Summit Area YMCA is one of the area’s leading 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. Founded in 1886, the Summit Area YMCA has a history steeped in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income and background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Each year, we serve more than 10,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those with demonstrated need.