With Centre County schools closed, YMCA backpack program prepares for increased need
As area schools close to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the Moshannon Valley YMCA will continue to feed kids in need, but hunger advocates have concerns about limited resources.
“It’s making everything very, very hard, and the financial resources are mind boggling,” Moshannon Valley YMCA Executive Director Mel Curtis said. “We’re now looking at a need that we haven’t even prepared for.”
The YMCA feeds more than 1,500 kids through its summer lunch and backpack programs. With schools closed, the YMCA has been asked to continue its backpack program — an initiative that sends kids home with food and hygiene products each week — and start its summer lunch program early. But with many people “panic buying” products like hand sanitizer, soap, toilet paper and food, Curtis isn’t sure how long the programs will have supplies to distribute.
“We’re OK for today,” Curtis said on Thursday. “Next week, depending on if I can get the supplies or travel to get supplies, my first go-to person didn’t even have ramen noodles or mac and cheese.”
The goal, Curtis said, is to provide as many kids with bagged lunches — especially those in rural areas of the county.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on Friday ordered all K-12 schools to close for 10 business days, starting Monday.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education granted approval to schools that have closed due to the virus to serve meals offsite to students. The meals will be available at no cost to low-income children.
In a letter sent Friday to parents and guardians, the State College Area School District said that meals will be available for pickup starting Monday. A breakfast and lunch will be provided on a first come, first served basis. Children must be present in order for meals to be provided.
SCASD asks parents and guardians to stay in their car, and meals will be distributed based on how many kids are in the car. Meals will include sandwiches, vegetables, fruit, milk and a dessert. Cereal, yogurt, banana bread and bagels will be offered at breakfast which will also include fruit, juice and milk.
Pickup is available Monday-Friday at the following locations:
- State College High School Bus Loop from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Weis Market Parking Lot on North Atherton Street from 11 a.m.-noon
- Ashworth Woods Apartments in Boalsburg from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Families who live in Ashworth Woods or close to the other sites may walk to pick up their meals, but the district asks visitors to not congregate at the site.
This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 10:50 AM.
