Travelin’ Table Mobile Feeding Program

More than 20,000 people in Centre County are wondering where their next meal is coming from. We think that’s unacceptable. That’s why we’ve partnered with CenClear Child Services to create the Travelin’ Table, a mobile feeding bus that will meet the needs of children in our community that do not have access to nutritious meals and other important resources they need to sustain healthy physical and mental growth.

A lot of children in our community depend on free and reduced lunch programs that ensure they are provided with healthy meals at school, but when school is not in session, those meals are no longer available. In addition, children and families who live in outlying areas of Centre County do not have access to or knowledge of healthcare resources available to them. That’s where the Travelin’ Table comes in.

The bus will travel the communities we serve to bring food and other resources directly to those who need them. No questions asked. It will include a full kitchen to support distribution of healthy meals, healthcare education and screenings provided by Penn State Health, and educational supplies and sports equipment to combat summer learning loss and encourage exercise. Click here to view more photos of the Travelin’ Table.

Backpack Weekend Food Program

Each Friday afternoon during the school year, participating students receive a backpack containing meals and snacks to take home with them for weekend. On Monday, students return their empty backpack to the school so it can be refilled for the following weekend. Examples of food students receive include: cereal, soup, tuna, spaghetti, crackers, fruits, and more.

The YMCA works closely with local schools to distribute information to students/parents qualifying for the Free/Reduced Lunch Program. Parents interested in enrolling their child/children complete a brief, confidential application and permission form. No child is turned away from this program. More information can be obtained by contacting your child’s school.

Serving these school districts in the 2018-19 school year:

Program Volunteers

The Backpack Program is made possible through the dedication and commitment of volunteers. Backpacks are prepared weekly at various sites  and then delivered to participating schools.

For information about volunteering, contact:

State College YMCA: Theresa Mast: [email protected]

All other locations: Mel Curtis: [email protected]

Making An Impact

• Since 2004, the YMCA has operated the Summer Lunch Program with two sites in the Philipsburg-Osceola School District, serving summer lunches through the USDA Summer Food Service Program.
• By the end of the 2016-17 school year, over 1,000 children in seven school districts were receiving a backpack of food each weekend.
• Local businesses, individuals, families, and school groups have truly embraced the opportunity to help kids in their community by giving their time, talents, and treasure to support the Y’s efforts.
• The YMCA has also partnered with Moshannon Valley EMS, Bellefonte EMS, and Centre Life Link who carry the food backpacks in their vehicles.
• To support its Anti-Hunger Programs, the YMCA of Centre County has been awarded substantial grants through Walmart Foundation/YMCA of the USA Year Round Food Program, Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program, Centre County United Way, and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.

Watch Our Backpack Program In Action

Summer Lunch Program

One in six children in the United States wakes up facing hunger every day, which can lead to poor nutrition, more frequent illnesses, inability to concentrate, and many other health and behavioral issues. Together, with local school districts and members of our community, the YMCA of Centre County continues to expand and enhance its anti-hunger initiatives.

The Moshannon Valley YMCA began the Summer Lunch Program in 2004, serving children at four locations in the Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District. Now, in its 15th summer, YMCA of Centre County will serve children at locations in Bald Eagle, Bellefonte, Keystone Central, Moshannon Valley, Penns Valley, Philipsburg-Osceola, and West Branch Area School Districts. The YMCA hopes to add sites in the State College area by mid-summer as well.

The YMCA’s Summer Lunch Program is open to children up to age 18 at no cost. Parents/adult caregivers are permitted to eat with their child at a cost of $2.50 per meal. All food must be consumed on site. The lunch menu includes hot meals on Monday – Thursday, and a cold meal on Fridays where available; see site schedule below. All meals meet USDA nutrition standards and are served with milk. The YMCA of Centre County serves as a Summer Food Service Provider sponsor under the oversight of the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The Summer Lunch Program fills a void that many students face when they are not in school to receive lunch. It also provides them with an opportunity to get out of the house and interact with other children and families. Many children walk or bike to the sites, and many sites are located near parks or playgrounds for physical activity before or after lunch.

The official registration and financial information of YMCA of Centre County may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Donate Today!

We’re committed to ensuring people in our community do not go hungry. If you are too, please consider making a financial contribution to this project. Donations can be mailed to YMCA of Centre County, Development Office, 677 W Whitehall Road, State College, PA 16801 or you can click here to donate online. No matter the amount, your support ensures we are able to continue to eliminate food insecurity in our community.

Donations to the YMCA of Centre County are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. (Tax ID# 24-0802437) Together, we are building a stronger community, providing support for families, and promoting overall positive change. Thank you again for your support.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Mel Curtis – 814-342-0889 or email [email protected]

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD_3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by
1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
2) Fax: (202) 690-7442
3) Email: [email protected]

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.