YMCA partnership offers food for Oklahoma City-area children

The Y has partnered with the Walmart Foundation and Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma to address child hunger, with a focus on increasing participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program, which provides one free lunch each Monday through Friday to children 18 and younger from June 4 to July 27.

In the summer, many children are left without the nutrition they need to learn, grow and thrive. More than 21 million children lose access to free or reduced-cost meals once the school year ends, according to the USDA. In Oklahoma, one in four children struggle with hunger each day.

Six YMCA branches are offering free healthy meals and snacks through the summer food program, thanks to grants totaling $37,500 funded by the Walmart Foundation.

Through July 27, the Bethany, Edmond, Edward L. Gaylord Downtown, Midwest City, North Side and Rockwell Plaza YMCAs are operating feeding sites open to children in the general public.

“For some children in our communities, the end of the school year means end of meals,” said Mike Grady, president and CEO of the YMCA. “At the Y, we are focused on making sure children stay healthy and well-nourished. Thanks to the partnership with the Walmart Foundation and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, our Y will be able to provide meals to children in the community who need them most.”