Free community distribution program aims to help end child hunger

The YMCA of Long Island announced that it has launched The Y Food Program, in partnership with Island Harvest Food Bank. The wide-scale food distribution system will provide free healthy food boxes to families in the community on a first come, first served basis over the coming months. Launched in response to the rise of food insecurity impacting Long Islanders during the pandemic, the YMCA of the USA will fund the six-month initiative as part of its overall mission to strengthen the community. Working locally, the Y focuses on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities.

"Long Islanders have been especially hard hit throughout the pandemic, and we’ve seen our communities across Long Island struggle with food insecurity. No family should need to worry about where their next meal will come from or feel that they do not have access to healthy food options," said Anne Brigis, president and CEO of the YMCA of Long Island. "We’re so grateful to Island Harvest for partnering with us to launch The Y Food Program so we’re able to meet the immediate and basic needs of our community."

Prior to the pandemic, households with children were nearly 1.5 times more likely to experience food insecurity than households without children, according to the USDA. But this year, Feeding American reports nearly 1 in every 6 kids may not know where they will get their next meal.

“We are pleased to partner with the YMCA of Long Island in addressing the critical issue of food insecurity among our neighbors impacted by the ongoing pandemic,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO, Island Harvest Food Bank. “It is through community partnerships like these that we can tackle some of society’s most pressing issues, including making certain that no one on Long Island goes without something as basic as food.”