To ensure that fewer kids and teens go hungry this summer, the YMCA of Beaufort County is offering a free Summer Food Program during its summer camps, thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation and its site sponsor, Beaufort County Parks and Leisure Services. Combining food and fun, the program will provide nutritious meals and snacks, plus activities to keep kids’ minds and bodies active. The program runs June 10th through August 16th and is open to kids aged 18 and under.

The YMCA of Beaufort County Summer Food Program is part of a national partnership between YMCA of the USA and the Walmart Foundation to address child hunger in communities. While more than 30 million children in low-income communities receive free or reduced-cost meals during the school year, only 2.3 million of these same kids have access to free meals when school is out. The YMCA of Beaufort County will feed 480 children in Beaufort and Jasper counties.

“In order for kids to maintain good health, they need proper nourishment as well as activities to keep their minds and bodies active,” said Kaylin Garst, Operations Director, YMCA of Beaufort County. “The YMCA’s Summer Food Program will help kids stay well-nourished, active and energized, and also provide some relief to families who need support in providing more food when school is out.”

Healthy snacks and lunches will be served at all YMCA summer camp site locations which include the Wardle Family YMCA, Beaufort Elementary School, Whale Branch Elementary School, Hardeeville Elementary School, and Ridgeland Elementary School. Summer Camp registrations are filling up. Those interested in registering should contact the YMCA at 843-522-9622.

The Y is committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility and is working to ensure that all kids have access to meals, as well as healthy food options, so they can continue to be healthy and thrive when out of school. In partnership with the Walmart Foundation, the Y’s Summer Food Program is part of a year-round effort to fight child hunger. During the school year, the YMCA of Beaufort County will also serve healthy meals and snacks in its afterschool program to provide kids with nourishment and academic enrichment.