EVANSTON, IL. — Summer break is here, and for many children, it means losing access to the nutritious meals they rely on during the school year. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), while over 30 million kids benefit from free or reduced-cost meals through the National School Lunch Program, only 3 in 10 eligible kids have access to free, healthy meals and snacks during summer break. This leaves many children without adequate nutrition during the summer months.
The YMCA is addressing this critical need by providing free summer meals to help keep children healthy and well-nourished. Y sites across the country, including McGaw YMCA, along with other partnering organizations, will offer free meals through the Summer Food Program to any youth 18 and under. This summer marks the program’s thirteenth year, highlighting the Y’s ongoing commitment to helping kids achieve their full potential.
In 2023, the McGaw YMCA in Evanston served 119,602 nutritious meals and snacks to over 475 youth and families enrolled in various YMCA programs. These meals were funded by YMCA operating funds, the City of Evanston, the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and supplemented by grants from foundations.
The McGaw YMCA will offer free summer meal pickup at two locations in Evanston from June 10-August 9:
At Butler Park:
- Lunch: Monday to Friday, 11:30am-1:00pm
Outside the YMCA main building (corner of Grove Avenue and Maple Street):
- Breakfast: Monday to Friday, 8:30-9:30am
- Lunch: Monday to Friday, 11:30am-1:00pm
To learn more about the McGaw YMCA’s Food Program, email Becky Slenk at [email protected].
Free Summer Meals are part of the Summer Food Service Program funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Illinois State Board of Education. The McGaw YMCA is an equal opportunity provider.