Across Jamestown, lunches are being served to children at various locations as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Summer Food Service Program. The Jamestown Area YMCA participates in the program and has thus far distributed more than 15,500 lunches and breakfasts as of July 28.

The YMCA has 16 sites. Some sites are classified as dine-in locations, and other sites are identified as Grab-N-Go meal distribution centers, meaning meals can be taken home. Moreover, each site has a specific starting date and ending date. “We’ve, as of last Friday, served more than 15 thousand plus meals at our 16 various food sites so far,” said John Barber, the vice president of operations for the Jamestown Area YMCA. “We serve breakfast and lunch at some of these sites.

Many grant issuing organizations and governmental departments are always looking for ways to cut costs, so non-for-profits working together is an absolute win for all involved.

“At several sites, other non-for-profits and educational camps are provide staffing to serve the children meals we provide,” added Barber. “This is a collaborative effort and shows how — not only the Y — but other servicing agencies can work together, as a team, to make sure our local-area children are provided for.” Additionally, “by working together, we are really hitting the ‘food insecure’ population and making sure these kids are not only fed but are receiving quality programming at low or no cost.”

From left, Juan Rodriguez and Jose Sanchez, YMCA food service distribution workers, start loading up the Y-Food Truck to being distributing more than 600 meals daily, around the greater Jamestown Area and other satellite locations around Chautauqua County, Monday, July 31. The YMCA in collaboration with other area child serving agencies have partnered to fight ‘food insecurities’ in local-area youth.

With more than 15,000 meals served thus far, how many more meals are planned and what’s the limit?

“Not sure how many (meals) we’re going to serve, but it’s going to be a lot,” added Barber. “Every year the numbers seem to indicate that more and more children are becoming ‘food insecure’.

For more information on the YMCA’s SFSP or the times and dates meals are being served contact the Y at 716-664-2802 or visit the Y’s website at www.jamestownymca.org.