The outbreak of COVID-19 has added stress to everyone’s daily life. For some, the concerns are far greater than uncut hair and eating in. To alleviate some of the strain caused by family income reduction and/or loss, the Greater Valley YMCA is distributing free youth meals at eight sites throughout the Lehigh Valley. One such site is Macungie Memorial Park. For a listing of the other sites, visit https://www.gv-ymca.org/YMCA%20Feeding%20Programs.

“We are just thrilled to be able to offer this critical community service,” David Fagerstrom, CEO of the Greater Valley YMCA said.

Site Supervisor Angie Moreno directs a volunteer food distribution team 5-6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays as the team hands out approximately 75 “Grab and Go” food packages.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, recipients are given meals and snacks for two days. To ensure the children have enough to eat over the weekend, Friday’s packs contain supplies for three days.

Recently, the meals have received an upgrade. Maribel Tandazo, YMCA director of Pathway Development, explains, “[ In addition to the usual snacks and meals, volunteers] … will … be distributing United States Department of Agriculture farm fresh food boxes … courtesy of our partners at The Common Market mid-Atlantic.” The USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program supplies fresh produce to the children and provides economic stimulation for farmers and food distributors.

Funding for the Greater Valley Youth Meal Program originates on the federal level and is administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The YMCA sponsors and organizes the distribution.

Due to the economic difficulties created by COVID-19, Macungie, an area that does not usually qualify for assistance, has been granted a waiver until June 30. Moreno and Tandazo hope the waiver will be extended beyond the current deadline.

As demonstrated by the free youth meals program, the services offered through the YMCA have expanded far beyond the group’s stereotypical “gym and swim” image. The organization is the largest child care provider in the nation. At risk adults may enroll in the Y’s diabetes prevention program and multiple activities are open to children of all ages. For information about the YMCA’s many opportunities, visit https://www.gv-ymca.org/ or call 610-438-6065.