For Immediate Release

The Y Fights Child Hunger This Summer with Help from the Walmart Foundation

The YMCA of Greater Dayton joins national effort to provide 7 million meals to children this summer, as part of Walmart’s Summer Giving Campaign

[Dayton, OH, 07/11/11] – When the school year ends, so do free meals for the millions of children in low-income households who depend on them most. This summer, the YMCA of Greater Dayton is offering free nutritious meals to children in Dayton, Trotwood, West Carrolton, Huber Heights, Xenia and Fairborn communities this summer, thanks to a $85,000 grant from YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) and Walmart to feed more children through the national Summer Food Service Program. The program, run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides free meals to children aged 18 and under while school is out of session. Nationally, more than 300 Ys will provide 7 million meals to 70,000 children this summer.

According to the USDA, 19.5 million low-income children receive free or reduced-cost meals during the school year, including 70% of the children in the Dayton and surrounding area. As part of the YMCA of Greater Dayton’s summer food program, children aged 18 and under will continue to one meal and a snack a day. Not only will this help hundreds of children get nutrition they need for good health, but it also will help alleviate the strain on family food budgets when school is out. 

“Millions of children and families are at greater risk for hunger in the summer months,” says Tim Helm, President/CEO, YMCA of Greater Dayton. “With so many children who lose access to daily meals when the school lunch program is over, the Y is committed to stepping in and helping to ensure our children stay healthy and strong.”
 
The Y’s summer food program received funding as part of Walmart’s Summer Giving Campaign – a broad $25 million initiative aimed at filling the gaps created when schools close this summer. The initiative will help expand nutrition, learning and employment services to more than 110,000 U.S. middle and high school students throughout the summer months. Walmart contributed a $3 million grant to Y-USA to address child hunger.

To locate the site closet to you, please contact Debbie Nerderman at 937-223-5201. To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Dayton’s summer food program, visit ymca.net/summer-food-program. 

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About the Y
The YMCA of Greater Dayton was established in 1870 and now offers twelve locations throughout the Miami Valley. www.ymcaonline.org.
Our Mission – To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Our Cause - The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion: to strengthen the foundations of community.
Our Values - Building character through the promotion of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.

YMCA of Greater Dayton Locations
Downtown YMCA • 316 North Wilkinson Street • Dayton, OH 45402
South YMCA • 4545 Marshall Road • Kettering, OH 45429
Coffman YMCA • 88 Remick Boulevard • Springboro, OH 45066
West Carrollton YMCA • 900 South Alex Road • West Carrollton, OH 45449
YMCA Trotwood NDC • 506 East Main Street • Trotwood, OH 45426
Xenia YMCA • 135 East Church Street • Xenia, OH 45385
Kleptz YMCA • 1200 West National Road • Englewood, OH 45322
Preble County YMCA • 450A Washington Jackson Road • Eaton, OH 45320
Huber Heights YMCA • 7251 Shull Road • Huber Heights, OH 45424
Beavercreek YMCA • 560 Grange Hall Road • Beavercreek, OH 45430
Fairborn YMCA • 300 South Central Road • Fairborn, OH 45324
YMCA Camp Kern • 5291 State Route 350, Oregonia, OH 45054
YMCA of Greater Dayton • 111 West First Street, Ste. 207 • Dayton, OH 45402 
 
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support initiatives that are helping people live better around the globe. In May 2010, Walmart and its Foundation made a historic pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the U.S. The Walmart Foundation also supports education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness initiatives. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.