In an effort to combat child hunger, the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA will again provide the Food and Fun at the Park Program at seven Wilkes-Barre City locations: Four parks, the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA in downtown Wilkes-Barre, and the McGlynn Learning Center sites at Boulevard Townhomes and Mineral Springs Village.
More than 22 million children nationally rely on free or reduced lunches during the school year, posing a dilemma to economically-challenged families during the summer when they must devote an additional $300 to feed each of their school-aged children. Studies show one in seven children may not know when their next meal will be. Local school districts have been serving grab-and-go meals even while closed because of their importance to children and families, but this service is ending as schools officially go on summer break.
This year will feature grab-and-go lunches and snacks. The program will begin June 22nd and will be in session Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m., until August 14th, with food service starting at 11:30 a.m. Park programs are canceled if it is raining.
Through partnering with several organizations, the Y will provide nutritious meals and fun learning activities for children to take home and enjoy all summer long. Mt. Zion Food Services is providing the healthy grab-and-go lunches and snacks, the City of Wilkes-Barre and McGlynn Learning Center are providing local sites, and the Luzerne/Schuykill Workforce Investment Board and PA Career Link are providing summer park attendants. Park site supervisors are experienced college interns funded by a state/local internship program grant from the Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Investment Board in partnership with PA CareerLink. The program is funded in part, as well, by the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant.
Food and Fun at the Park serves children in kindergarten through 12th grades. Pre-school children are welcome but must be accompanied by a caregiver over the age of 16. Grab and Go lunches and snacks will be provided from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm., served for as long as food is available. Activities will be available before and after food service. Parents are asked to wear masks when helping children receive lunch, snacks, and activities from Food and Fun staff.
Food and Fun at the Park will be held at the following sites maintained by the City of Wilkes- Barre:
- Coal Street Park (Coal and North Sherman streets)
- Iron Triangle Playground (corner of Hickory and Metcalf streets)
- Huber Park (Stanton and Huber streets)
- Madison/Flood Park (N. Washington and E. Maple streets)
Additional Sites include:
- Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA (40 W. Northampton Street)
- McGlynn Learning Center/Boulevard Townhomes (72 Midland Court)
- McGlynn Learning Center/Mineral Springs Village (233 Eastview Drive)
To learn more about Food and Fun at the Park, visit www.wbymca.org or call the Y at 570-823-2191.
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