The Sparta White County YMCA began a feeding program last week for kids up to age 18.
YMCA Program Director Gin Skinner said 80 percent of students in White County receive free or reduced lunches. She said the Y had a Monday feeding program through the summer which led to a decision to start the new program feeding four evenings per week.
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“I think when we did our weekly block party and we fed the kids for free we had a very positive response,” Skinner said. “And now that we are providing transportation, we’re hoping to get those who weren’t able to participate in that program with this new program.”
Skinner said they had prepared to feed 150 kids, but the grant was unlimited, so if there were a 1,000 kids they would feed that many. She said it is simple to participate, just show up at The River Sparta.
Skinner said the program serves on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 4-6 p.m. She said you just show up and give your first name and last initial.
“The big stipulation here is you have to eat the food on site,” Skinner said. “So you can’t just grab a bag and go. That is part of the grant requirement.”
She said the YMCA also provides transportation. She said you can visit the website and sign up for a transportation request there. Or you can call the Y and they will pick you up and drop you back at home.
“The YMCA is in charge of the program,” Skinner said. “But we are using community partners such as The River Sparta. There are potential other partners in the future. But The River has so generously donated the space and the refrigerator space to store the food.”
Skinner said this is not a seasonal program like so many other feeding programs. She said the YMCA intends to continue the program for as long as it is needed.
For more information, please visit the YMCA’s website at:
https://spartawhitecountyymca.org/feeding-program
The post Sparta White County YMCA Offers Feeding Program For Kids appeared first on News Talk 94.1/AM 1600.