summer food program

This collaborative effort provides food staples, locally-grown fresh produce, cookbooks, children’s books, and listings of community resources to families whose children receive free/reduced lunch program at school and Head Start during the school year, but do not have access to healthy and affordable food resources during the summer months. The food and resources are packed and delivered to the doorsteps of identified families by generous volunteers.

The fresh produce is donated by Dig In! Yancey Community Garden and also purchased from TRACTOR Food and Farms and other local farmers. Purchasing locally in turn supports the farmers living and raising their own families in the community. It’s a win-win.

The goal of the program is not only to feed hungry families, but to introduce them to fresh, local produce and healthy recipes to instill good eating habits. Stories are collected over the summers of children learning to love kale chips and growing to prefer their own homemade, fresh salsa.

“Working together, the amazing volunteer agencies and individuals provided over 300 Yancey County children with nutritious food to get them through the summer.  The Summer Food Program is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when many agencies and committed volunteers come together with a shared mission. “  – Schell McCall, PATH Executive Director

We are looking for funding for 2024 for this established, respected, truly collaborative community initiative. This program is a proven way to reach Yancey County families living with food insecurity and poverty – often the hardest to reach – and to engage these families and share community resources.