Summer Meals

One in six children in the U.S. don’t know where their next meal is coming from. The summer is a particularly vulnerable time for kids who rely on free or reduced-price meals during the school year. At the Y, we know that children who receive daily nutrition are set up to succeed. That’s why we’re helping kids reach their full potential by providing free access to healthy snacks and meals when school’s out for summer.

In accordance with the Y’s commitment to Healthy Living and Social Responsibility, the YMCA of  Jefferson County will once again be providing FREE meals this summer for all kids ages 18 and under thanks to the generous donations from Albertson’s Nourishing Neighbors, the Jefferson Community Foundation, Jefferson Association of Realtors, and private patrons. No identification or proof of income required. All children under 18 welcome!

The 2020 Summer Meals program starts Monday, June 22 through Monday, August 31 for Chimacum, Port Townsend, and Brinnon School Districts. Quilcene School District will receive summer meals starting Wednesday, July 1 through Monday, August 31. The first week of Summer Meals (June 22-26) only lunch will be provided and the second week forward (June 29-August 31) breakfast and lunch will be provided. Meals will follow USDA guidelines and include milk, grains, fruits, veggies, and a meat or meat alternative. Some meals will be distributed at grab and go sites where children can walk up or their parents can drive up to each site where volunteers will hand them meals. Other meals will be distributed via school district bus routes. 

2020 Summer Meals distribution schedule: 

 Grab & Go Meal Sites:

  • 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Monday or Wednesday at the Multi-Purpose room at Chimacum Elementary School, 91 W. Valley Road, Chimacum, or at Chimacum Primary School, 313 Ness Corner Drive, Port Hadlock.
  • 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Tuesday or Thursday at Salish Coast Elementary School, 1637 Grant Street, Port Townsend, or Port Townsend High School, 1500 Van Ness Street, Port Townsend.

Meal Delivery Sites:

  • Meals will be distributed on Monday in Quilcene and Tuesday in Brinnon via school district bus routes. Families can pick up their meals at the same stop they did with their school bus driver. If you miss a day of delivery, please call our YMCA of Jefferson County office at 360-385-5811.
  • Fridays we will deliver back packs throughout Jefferson County with a weekend’s worth of food via school district bus routes. If you would benefit from a weekend backpack or know a family that would benefit from a weekend backpack, please contact the YMCA of Jefferson County office at 360-385-5811.

Safely Delivering Meals During COVID-19

At the Y, the safety of our staff, program participants, and community members is our top priority. Our Summer Meals volunteers and staff are following CDC guidelines for COVID-19 safety and food handling. All staff and volunteers will receive health and temperature checks before working. All staff and volunteers also will wear masks and gloves at food prep sites and meal distribution sites. We ask that all meal recipients please keep 6 feet of distance from staff and volunteers when possible at our distribution sites. Meals are available for pick up only and must be eaten off site. There is no registration or sign ups required to receive meals and all meals are free for children 18 and under.

Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed for meal prep and meal distribution. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please email volunteer@olympicpeninsulaymca.org. If you have more questions about Summer Meals, please email Rowen Matkins at rowen@olympicpeninsulaymca.org or call the YMCA of Jefferson County office at 360-385-5811.

Donate

Would you like to donate to Summer Meals? Please donate today for a better future in your community

During the summer of 2017 and 2018 we served over 5,000 delicious lunches and snacks in East Jefferson County.