On March 16, 2020, everything changed, including the need for our Y’s programs and services. Before the pandemic, 1 in 3 households struggled with food insecurity. Now, that number is even greater, and not every child or family member knows where their next meal is coming from.
What is Food Insecurity?
The USDA defines a household as food insecure when “consistent access to adequate food is limited by a lack of money and other resources at times during the year.” Food insecurity affects people of all ages, and depending on the situation, many fall into and out of being food insecure.
The Y is committed to ensuring kids (and their families) get the nourishment they need all year long. The Y’s job is, in part, to ensure millions of youth receive the meals they need to be healthy, active, and well-nourished.
We’re working to provide food security to the members of our community through food availability, food access, and food use. Since the pandemic began, we’ve provided over 85,000 meals to children facing hunger.
A Healthier Future
When children get the food they need through consistent, healthy meals, they are able to:
- Concentrate better in school.
- Build better relationships with their peers.
- Miss less school due to sickness.
- Perform better on standardized tests.
Food security is key to success, but there are children in our community wondering if they will have enough food to eat today. The Y is committed to building a healthier future for our nation’s children. We provide a year-round Food Program for the youth in our community.
If you’re wondering how to get involved, you can help children reach their potential by volunteering or making a gift to the YMCA of Greater Whittier. Please help us continue this work by getting involved, making a difference, and working together to close the gap on food insecurity in our communities!
