The La Crosse Area Family YMCA believes that access to nutritious food is a fundamental right for everyone in the community. Its comprehensive food programs are designed to ensure that children and families receive the nourishment they need to thrive, particularly during critical times such as summer and after school.

Summer Food Program

The YMCA’s Summer Food Program offers free meals to individuals aged 18 and under from June 10 to August 23. This initiative helps children remain healthy and well-nourished throughout the summer months. In addition to nutritious meals, participants engage in recreational and educational activities that keep both their bodies and minds active. This summer, the organization continues its “Y on the Fly” program, supported by a grant from the La Crosse Community Foundation. This mobile initiative delivers activities, games, and healthy meals to various locations, ensuring children stay engaged and nourished.

Mobile Market

The YMCA Mobile Market addresses the growing need for food access by delivering monthly boxes filled with healthy food options, recipes, and a mental health resource newsletter titled Food For Thought. The program aims not only to provide food but also to strengthen family bonds through shared meals and meaningful conversations. The Mobile Market serves a variety of locations, including schools with afterschool care, Community Health Worker (CHW) clients, Youth Center families, and neighborhoods in need. Each month, the boxes emphasize healthy choices and include recipes to help families maximize their meals.

Y on the Fly

The “Y on the Fly” program extends the YMCA’s outreach by bringing healthy meals, enrichment opportunities, and educational resources to area parks every Tuesday evening after school. This mobile initiative addresses hunger and enrichment gaps within the community, with a strong focus on food access, physical wellness, mental wellness, and enrichment. By offering organized youth sports and other activities, the program ensures that all children have access to resources for growth and learning, regardless of their location.

Youth Center Support

The YMCA supports the Youth Center’s food access initiatives by contributing to nightly dinners. In response to the increasing number of children and teens attending these meals, YMCA staff assist with meal preparation and supervision during dinner times. Additionally, the organization provides pre-bagged grab-and-go snacks to the Youth Center on a daily basis.

Healthy Living Club

At its school-age sites, the YMCA has introduced the Healthy Living Club, a nutrition-focused afterschool program. This club features interactive activities such as cooking and taste testing to educate children about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity. Workshops are also conducted in the on-site Food Forest, where children and families can explore different foods, learn harvesting techniques, and practice cooking in the teaching kitchen.

Through these initiatives, the La Crosse Area Family YMCA is making a meaningful impact on food security in the community. By offering nutritious meals and fostering a sense of connection, the organization is contributing to a healthier, stronger, and more resilient future for all. To listen to the corresponding podcast episode visit the Beyond the Bell with WOSTA podcast.