FEEDING CHILDREN
United Way and partners kick off summer meals program
MECHANICVILLE, N.Y. » On a hot and humid morning, United Way and its partner companies gathered at the Park Avenue Playground to celebrate the kickoff of their annual summer meals program.
This is the 10th year the program is running as a partnership between United Way and CAPTAIN Community Human Services, and many other companies have joined in to make the program a success. This year’s partners include Hannaford Supermarkets, Hunger Solutions New York, LifeWorks, and the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center (MACSC).
“I can’t believe it’s been 10 years, it just flew by,” remarked CAPTAIN executive director Andy Gilpin.
The summer meals program will provide free lunches and fun outdoor activities to children throughout the Capital District all summer. This year, 80 sites will be set up around the region providing free, nutritious food every day to every child that comes. The program aims to fight food insecurity, making nutritious food available to children that might not otherwise have access to it.
According to United Way CEO Peter Gannon, the program is projected to serve over 2 million meals before the end of the summer. In the Capital Region alone, 50,000 school-aged children qualify for free or reduced price lunches during the school year, but only one in seven of those children take advantage of the summer meals program.
Gannon hopes that with increased awareness and a greater range of access, more children will be able to stay fed over the summer.
Parents who are not sure of the nearest summer meal program location can call 211, or text their zip code to 898211 for assistance.
“It’s important to note that even one meal a day can make a huge impact for families in need,” said Becca Anthony, a program manager at CAPTAIN. “We hope to reach all the kids we did last year. We’re really focusing
this year on activities and ‘fun buckets’ full of prizes for the kids. We’re hoping to get the kids out of the house and off the couch eating junk food, and having fun together while they eat their meals.”
The kickoff was attended by elected officials, representatives for all the partner organizations, and many children ready to play on the playground, including a MACSC summer camp.
“This is investing in the children,” Congressman Paul Tonko remarked. “What a great program. Every child deserves a happy, safe childhood. Food insecurity across America is a real thing, and it affects the children as well. Children need proper nutrition to grow strong. Kids will come out of this very valuable program stronger and understanding that they’re loved.”
“This is an amazing community that makes sure no one is left behind,” Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) said. “This program is critical.”
“This program is extremely important,” State Sen. Jim Tedisco agreed. “This team effort, providing this wonderful program, has done amazing things for this community.”
Tonko, Woerner, and Tedisco all had citations or proclamations to present to United Way and its partners.
Anthony strongly recommends reaching out to local representatives such as Tonko, Woerner, and Tedisco
to push for legislation that makes access to nutrition easier.
“It’s a critical program,” Gannon commented. “Kids depend on the school system for nutrition, and when that ends n the summer there’s a need that’s created. This is not income-dependent. Everyone is welcome here, everyone can eat. I think the need this summer will be as high as ever.”
Every day at summer meal sites, the food provided will accompany activities and games, art projects, music, and more. Everything is free and there is no screening or qualification to participate — just come and enjoy an afternoon outside.
“Our goal is focusing on community fun, and reducing the barriers to food,” said Heather Senecal, United Way director of learning and evaluation. “We try something new every summer. We’ve got great partnerships this summer with CREATE, Albany Center Galleries, and RED Bookshelf for fun activities for the kids.
“We want the program to be seen as an opportunity to come out and play and make friends, and then sit down together for a delicious healthy meal.”
“Feeding kids who are hungry is one of the most important things a community can do,” Gilpin remarked.
For more information about summer meal program locations, call 211, text your zip code to 898211, or visit unitedwaygcr.org/summermeals.