June 29, 2023
DOYLESTOWN- On Wednesday, June 21, leaders from YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties and The GIANT Company gathered at the Y’s Morrisville Youth Education Center and YMCA Camp Bucks in Holland to celebrate an expansion of their partnership to address childhood hunger in Bucks County. Since January, and continuing through to the end of the year, The GIANT Company is providing milk to all children attending YMCA child care programs in the County.
The expanded milk donation program allows children to achieve the daily servings of dairy recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The free milk program impacts over 650 children attending YMCA youth education centers in Morrisville, Quakertown and New Britain; YMCA campers at St. Francis Cabrini and Holland summer camp programs, and students attending 21st Century After School Programs in Bristol Township Schools.
“The GIANT Company believes all families should have access to the nutrition they need to thrive, which is why it is so important to tackle hunger and grow health and nutrition within the communities we serve,” said Jessica Groves, manager, community impact, The GIANT Company. “Supporting the YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties’ youth programs to ensure kids have access to fresh, nutritious milk during their camp and care programs was an easy decision for us. It is a great way to connect youth to protein-rich dairy products while helping them learn and grow."
Many children and adults in Bucks County live with food insecurity due to economic hardship. According to Feeding America’s “Map The Meal Gap” interactive study, prior to COVID-19, approximately 44,000 Bucks County residents were considered food insecure. Today, it is estimated that an additional 30,000 individuals in the county are food insecure and visiting Bucks County Food Banks, according to United Way of Bucks County. Food insecurity tends to hit children hardest. Nationally, since the pandemic, one in four children are at risk for hunger.
“They say it takes a village to raise our children,” stated Zane Moore, president/CEO of YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties. “With the expansion of our partnership with GIANT, the YMCA continues to reinforce support for that village, and provide for the essential needs of children in Bucks County. When they do not feel the pangs of hunger, children are able to be children, playing, learning, and enjoying the world around them as they should.”
Children who experience hunger and food insecurity are at risk of increased illness and hospitalization. When hunger is not addressed, children grow more likely to develop behavioral and emotional issues, especially in school and social situations because of stress and anxiety. Hunger leads to exhaustion, and therefore the inability to pay attention, as well as cope during adversity or duress.
YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties is an approved Summer Feeding Service Program (SFSP), as well as Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) sponsor. This allows the Y more flexibility and opportunities to offset food insecurity through direct reimbursements for food costs by the USDA. However, the sponsorship reimbursements do not cover all of the expenses associated with the feeding programs. With GIANT providing the milk to children in YMCA food programs, the Y may continue to cover these additional costs, as well as expand its reach.
Together, YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties and The GIANT Company provide a path to wellness and learning for the children and families of Bucks County.
Photo Caption: Melissa Regan, Jessica Smith, Kevin McKale and Colleen Wagner set out milk for campers at the YMCA’s Camp Bucks in Holland on June 21.
YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties is a charitable, nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through membership and programs that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all. Annually, the Y serves over 49,000 members and participants at its six member branches, seven child development centers, and nine camp locations across Bucks and Hunterdon Counties. YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties provides over $5 million of community impact annually in the form of financial assistance to individuals and families in need and free programming for veterans, cancer survivors, older adults and more. To learn more visit ymcabhc.org