Backpack Program
Students enrolled in the Backpack Program receive a backpack full of food each Friday (or the last day of school for the week) during the school year. Learn more or enroll a child by clicking on one of the documents below. For more information, contact Mel Curtis at [email protected]
Serving These School Districts
- Bald Eagle
- Philipsburg-Osceola
- Clearfield Area
- Bellefonte Area
- West Branch
- Cen Clear
- Penns Valley Area
- State College Area
- Moshannon Valley
- Soaring Heights School
- Young Scholars School
- Liberty Curtin Elementary
Watch Our Backpack Program In Action
Summer Lunch Program
Every summer, we distribute lunches for kids at a variety of locations across Centre County. The 2021 Summer Lunch Program has ended – we’ll be back again in 2022! In the meantime, check out what we were able to accomplish in 2021.
- Total Lunches and Evening Snacks Served: 57,669
- Total Distribution Sites: 36
- Total Days Served: 53
Feeding Our Community During COVID-19
Large Food Distributions
These distributions provide larger amounts of food for those in need. Additional distribution dates and locations will be posted on our Facebook page and this portion of the website. All distributions will begin no earlier than the designated start time listed below. For more information, please contact Mel Curtis at [email protected] or 814-342-0889.
- October 16, October 30, November 13, November 27, and December 11:
- At 10:00 AM at 141 Enterprise Drive in Philipsburg
- October 22, November 4, November 19, December 2, and December 17:
- At 5:00 PM at Howard United Methodist Church
- 2nd and 4th Monday of Every Month
- At 2:00 PM at the Bigler YMCA
- 2nd and 4th Monday of Every Month
- At 4:00 PM at the Halfmoon Christian Fellowship Church
Fresh Express Distributions
The Fresh Express program is a partnership between the YMCA and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. This program is income based, and each family or individual must complete a self-declaration form on current income. Self-declarations can be completed at the distribution site prior to receiving food. The food provided offers staple fresh foods, such as meats, fruits, and vegetables. The sites listed below serve as distribution locations for Fresh Express. For more information, please contact Mel Curtis at [email protected] or 814-342-0889.
- 1st and 3rd Thursday of Every Month:
- At 12:00 PM in Snow Shoe at the Township Building.
- 1st Wednesday of Every Month:
- At the Progress Grange in Centre Hall
- 1st and 3rd Thursday of Every Month:
- Time TBA at Chester Hill Fire Company (Philipsburg).
- 1st and 3rd Thursday of Every Month:
- At 4:00 PM at the “Diamondback Family Center” – St. Barbara’s Church in Houtzdale.
Food Delivery – Ripken Project
Through several partnerships, we are occasionally able to provide food delivery service to shut-ins and those that don’t have transportation to one of our sites. To receive this assistance, please contact Mel Curtis at [email protected] or 814-342-0889.
During these unprecedented times, we have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. We can do this by following the example of family pets. Pets (one of which this program was named after) are always there when we need them, and many people are in need of this type of support right now.
Through the Ripken Project, you can take 30 minutes of your day and volunteer to deliver boxed food to those who are unable to travel to our distribution sites. You can volunteer as frequently as you are able, and you can simply drop off the boxed food at the door to avoid physical contact.
We need people in all communities to assist with this project. If you would like more information, please contact Mel Curtis at [email protected] or 814-342-0889.
Baby Food
We carry a limited supply of baby food for those who are in need. Please call Mel Curtis at 814-342-0889 for more information.
Mobile Feeding Programs
Travelin’ Table
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, The Central PA Food Bank, AmeriHealth Caritas, and Penn State Health 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.
The bus travels through the communities we serve to bring food and other resources directly to those who need them. No questions asked. It is equipped with 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.
Hometown Heroes Firetruck
The “Hometown Heroes” firetruck is a new mobile feeding unit. It is named after all the volunteers that have worked with the YMCA Anti-Hunger Program. Their dedication to this program, the long hours they have put in, and their passion for helping others has helped us increase our efforts tremendously.
Similar to the Travelin’ Table, this vehicle transports food across Centre County. It has made appearances at several food distributions, special food-related events, and educational events to help spread awareness about food insecurity in our communities.
Bake with Love Cookbooks
The Bake With Love Project, started by State College Area High School Junior Madeline Krentzman, strives to fight food insecurity in Centre County through its partnership with our Anti-Hunger Program. Proceeds from the sale of these cookbooks will benefit our efforts to combat food insecurity within the communities we serve. If you’d like to purchase a cookbook or learn more, visit https://www.bakewithlove.org/.
Donate Today!
We’re committed to ensuring people in our community do not go hungry. If you are too, consider making a financial contribution to this program. Donations can be made in the following ways:
- By Mail: to YMCA of Centre County, Development Office, 677 W Whitehall Road, State College, PA 16801
- Online: click here to donate online
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.
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.
Volunteer Information
If you would like to volunteer at any of our sites or warehouse, please email: [email protected]. In your message, please include the following information: Name, phone #, email address, the school district/community area that you are willing to volunteer in, and what type of volunteer work you are willing to do (transport food to sites, volunteer at sites, volunteer for packing, or volunteer to pick-up donation).
For More Information:
Mel Curtis – 814-342-0889 or email [email protected]
All eligible children (those under the age of 18), have equal access to the benefits of these programs regardless of family income, race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. No child is turned away. 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 of 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 mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410. By fax: (202) 690-7442; or by email: [email protected]. The YMCA of Centre County is an equal opportunity provider.
