Local YMCA serving free meals to children at 46 sites 

Team members from One to One Health volunteered at J.A. Henry on Oct. 9, 2025, to pack meals for children in the community. | Courtesy: The YMCA

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga is serving more meals to children than prior school years at 46 sites across Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia.

The effort is part of the Y’s broader goal to reduce childhood hunger.

The J.A. Henry and North Georgia YMCAs, branches of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga, lead the organization’s year-round food programs, which provide free meals to children during the school year as well as the summer.

“While summer is typically our busiest season, community demand has led us to increase our weekly production.”

“Thanks to our staff, volunteers, and donors, we’re helping more children access the nutrition they need.”

–  Paula Irwin, executive director of the J.A. Henry YMCA said.

The food program is open to all children up to 18 years old, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

Meals are served at City of Chattanooga community centers, libraries, churches, YMCA afterschool sites, community partner locations and local schools.

Eligibility requirements differ by state.

In Tennessee, children across Bradley, Hamilton, Polk, Rhea and Sequatchie counties are eligible to participate in the first-come, first-served meal program.

In North Georgia, meals are served at four YMCA afterschool sites and are available only to enrolled children.

For a full list of meal sites and program details, visit https://www.ymcachattanooga.org/programs/community/youth-food-programs