YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga partners to provide free meals to children this summer

YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga is partnering with the City of Chattanooga and other organizations to provide free meals to children this summer.

They share the YMCA’s Free Summer Food Program restarts May 26 and includes approximately 80 meal sites across the region, including Tennessee and North Georgia.

The YMCA provides children up to 18 years of age with the nutritional support they need to maintain good health and reach their fullest potential. Meals are available free of charge to all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

Children across Bradley, Catoosa, Hamilton, Polk, Rhea, Sequatchie, and Walker counties are eligible to receive the free meals.

“Our goal as an organization is to serve 50% more families and children in our community by 2028, and partnerships are a key pillar of our plan. Continued partnerships, such as with the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County Schools, have helped us expand to serving 400,000 meals annually and most importantly, to reduce hunger in our community.”

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

They share the YMCA has expanded its food program in Tennessee and North Georgia by approximately 75% over the past year.

City community centers, libraries, YMCA branches, community partner locations and local schools are participating in the program.

 Specific dates, times, locations, and the available meals or snacks are posted in a directory online.