YMCA partners with CARTA to provide kids with free summer meals
MGN
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga will launch its Free Summer Food Program on May 27, 2025.
This program offers free meals to children 18 and under across seven counties in Tennessee and North Georgia.
More than 70 locations, including libraries, schools, YMCA sites, and community centers, will serve meals on a first-come, first-serve basis through early August.
To help families access food sites, CARTA’s Read & Ride program will offer free transportation.
Around 1,500 YMCA five-day passes will be distributed to kids enrolled in the program.
Mayor Tim Kelly praised the partnership, calling it a vital effort to fight childhood hunger and expand access to nutritious meals during the summer break.
“We’re grateful to the YMCA for once again running the Free Summer Food Program and to CARTA for connecting families to these food sites through the Read & Ride program. There are over 70 locations participating in the YMCA’s Free Summer Food Program between Memorial Day and when kids go back to school in August. No child should ever go hungry, which is why we encourage anyone needing meals for their kids this summer to stop by and pick up food.”
-Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly
Site details and schedules are available online.
Bus routes are pictured below.
2025 Free Summer Meals Bus Routes / Mayor Tim Kelly’s Office & CARTA
