Summer Lunch Program

Every summer, we distribute lunches for kids at a variety of locations across Centre County. Stay tuned for more information. 

Summer Lunch Menu – Week 1 (June 13 – June 17) 

Food Distributions and Delivery 

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. Inclement weather may impact the days/times these distributions are scheduled, and in some cases, may result in cancellations. For more information, please contact Mel Curtis at [email protected] or 814-342-0889.

• Wednesday, June 8 
  • At 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church in State College
• 2nd and 4th Saturday of Every Month
  • At 10:00 AM at 141 Enterprise Drive in Philipsburg
• 1st Thursday and 3rd Friday of Every Month
  • At 5:00 PM at Howard United Methodist Church
• 2nd and 4th Monday of Every Month
  • At 1:00 PM at Bigler YMCA
• 2nd and 4th Monday of Every Month
  • At 4:00 PM at the Halfmoon Christian Fellowship Church 
• 3rd Saturday of Every Month
  • At 10:00 AM at the Palestine Church 

Fresh Express Distributions 

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.

Emergency Food Boxes

Boxes of food are available for pickup at the following locations for those in need. Boxes will be filled with non-perishable items. 

• Bellefonte YMCA – 125 W High Street, Bellefonte, PA – (814) 355-5551
• Moshannon Valley YMCA – 113 N 14th Street, Philipsburg, PA – (814) 342-0889
• Penns Valley YMCA – 115 W Streamside Pl, Spring Mills, PA – (814) 422-6000
• State College YMCA – 677 W Whitehall Road, State College, PA – (814) 237-7717
• Progress Grange – 217 S Pennsylvania Ave, Centre Hall, PA – (814) 360-1094
• St. Peter’s UCC – 122 Main Street, Rebersburg, PA – (814) 349-5515

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]

Backpack Parent Letter

Backpack Registration Form

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

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. 

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.