Local
YMCA, Emplify summer food programs start June 9
With schools out, the issue of food insecurity and hunger for children in the area increases.
One organization said that without school meals, five out of six children who rely on free or reduced-price meals run the risk of hunger.
Two programs aim to help combat hunger for children 18 and under.
The La Crosse Area Family YMCA and Emplify Health by Gundersen begin summer food programs that provide breakfast and lunch to children.
Here are the details of both plans:
YMCA Summer Food Program
The YMCA offers lunches Monday through Friday in La Crosse, Onalaska, and Holmen and lunch Saturday and Sunday at their La Crosse and Onalaska branches.
Breakfast is served Monday through Friday at the Dahl YMCA in La Crosse.
This year, they’re providing bulk meals-seven days of breakfast and lunches-once a week in Black River Falls, Arcadia, Chaseburg, and Norwalk.
Besides meals, the Y offers games and activities where they provide meals. It’s part of the YMCA’s “Y on the Fly” initiative to bring food and activities to neighborhoods.
“This program is about more than just food,” says Courtney Kramolis, Community Engagement Director at the YMCA, said in a news release. “It’s about ensuring every child has access to nourishment, joy, and a sense of community during the summer months.”
There’s no registration or paperwork required to use the program.
The YMCA expects serving more than 60,000 meals this summer and over 300,000 meals this year through its programs.
Below is a schedule of times and locations for YMCA Summer Food Program deliveries.
Find out more about the Summer Food Programs and others that fight hunger that are provided by the YMCA by clicking here.
The summer program runs through August 8.
Emplify Health by Gundersen Summer Food Service Program
Any child age 18 or under can enjoy a free breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday through August 20 with the exception of July 4.
The meals are available in the hospital cafeteria in La Crosse.
Breakfast is between 6:30-9:30 a.m. Lunch is provided from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meals can be eaten onsite.
Additional Food Programs and Resources
La Crosse County Food Resources-a list of pantries, meal sites, and programs
Monroe County Food & Nutrition Resources
Winona County Community Resource Guide
Child and Adult Care Food Program-Serves counties in Western Wisconsin
Trempealeau County Food Pantries-Spanish language version
Trempealeau County Food Pantries-English language version
211.org or calling 211-Information on food resources
