News Staff Report
Atmore Area YMCA is an active participant this year in Feeding the Gulf Coast’s summer feeding program, “Feel the Beat, Let’s Eat!”
“This is the first year the [local] YMCA has participated in the program,” the Y’s CEO Paul Chason said. “The opportunity to provide a service to our community was too great to pass up. The meals program has certainly helped with our summer camp program, our parents and our campers.”
Several schools in the community provide a summer feeding program during June, and Atmore Area YMCA’s program also began in June. However, unlike the school programs, the Y’s summer feeding program will continue until August 3 to coincide with its summer camp program.
All community children 18 and younger can receive a free meal at the YMCA each week, Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. until noon. Meals, which will be served only during that time period, must be consumed on-site.
Chason, who noted that there would be no meal service on the upcoming Independence Day holiday, said the uncertainty that goes with a first-year’s participation could cause a snag or two, but no serious problems are expected.
“Since this is our first year, we have no idea what the participation will be like during July,” he said. “It may take a couple of days to get a good idea of how many meals are required to support our community. We ask that folks please practice patience in the beginning. Also, the Y is closed on July 4, so there will be no meals on that day.”
He added that the Y wants to do what it can to help improve the health and well-being of the community’s younger members.
“We look forward to helping make the summer a little better, and helping our children have a meal each day,” said the CEO, who added that volunteers are needed and welcomed to help make the program more successful.
Anyone interested in volunteering may call 251-368-9622 for details.