The Summit Hunger Coalition is comprised of a group of local nonprofits, including the Summit Area YMCA, who work together to address food insecurity in Summit. In alignment with our cause and mission in being a pillar of support to the community, the Summit Area YMCA works with the coalition on a number of projects from providing supplemental weekend meals for children in need, to hosting Healthy Kids Nights for families to pick fresh produce and engage in healthy activities, to annually packing lunch bags for the homeless for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and more. The Summit Area YMCA also provides financial assistance for YMCA summer camps, childcare, programs and membership for youth, adults and seniors. We are proud to help with addressing the needs of our community and fight against hunger through the care and cooperation of our neighbors.
“The Summit Area Public Foundation (SAPF) nurtures strong relationships with its grantees,” said SAPF Trustee Sandy Bloom. "To mobilize these relationships and to identify emerging needs, SAPF brought together local nonprofit agencies, city representatives and school officials. The Hunger Coalition, which formed as a result of that meeting, demonstrates how Summit organizations can work together to respond quickly to changing needs in the Summit community. SAPF is excited to be part of that process.”
In the fall of 2015, Summit’s Assistant Superintendent reported that 15% of all enrolled students in the Summit Schools are eligible for free or reduced price lunch. The Schools’ administration believes food insecurity among Summit’s children is far more pervasive. In addition, only one Summit elementary school qualifies for the federally funded breakfast program and yet all of the Summit schools have students in need of free breakfast. Food insecure families are especially vulnerable during the summer months.
The Coalition is grateful to SAPF for their investment in these and other important initiatives in the community that address local needs and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.
Click the button below to view a map of food, supplies and resources directory.
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey
The Summit Area Public Foundation (“SAPF”)
Summit Helping Its People (SHIP)
Loaves and Fishes of Saint Teresa’s of Avila
If you would like to bring our attention to any under-served needs within our community, causes you support or get involved by becoming a community partner or volunteer, please fill out the form below.
Food Assistance Program
Family Packs Program