Summer Serve Youth Collect Food for Blessings In A Backpack
The YMCA Summer Serve camp is partnering with Blessings in a Backpack for a food drive through Thursday, July 18, 2024. (Although every Summer Camp session will lead a food drive through Thursday, August 1.)
Blessings in a Backpack is a nonprofit organization that aims to combat childhood hunger by providing weekend food for children who might otherwise go hungry. In one bag, children receive two protein items, two fruits, two breakfast items, and two snacks.
Summer Serve is a two-week summer camp aiming to engage youth in meaningful volunteer service opportunities during the summer, helping them develop leadership skills, gain valuable work experience, and make a positive impact in their community.
Donation boxes are located at the Y Arts Center, the Downtown Y, and the Natelli Family Y.
We will be accepting all shelf-stable, nonperishable, nut-free foods.
Accepted items:
- Individual cereal bowls/boxes
- Cereal/granola bars (nut-free)
- Fruit pouches or fruit cups
- Sunflower seeds (Individual serving)
- Shelf-stable Meat sticks (i.e., Jack Links, Slim Jim)
- Individually packaged snacks (i.e., Cheez-its, Goldfish, Animal Crackers)
- Raisin or Craisin packet
- Chef Boyardee ( or generic) ready-to-eat pasta bowls (pop-top lids required)
- Ready-to-eat soup (pop-top lids required)
Most foods are accepted; however, there are some that aren’t. Some foods that should be avoided are:
- Family-sized items, single servings are preferred
- Food items made at home (food must be packaged and sealed by the manufacturer)
- Food should be completely nut-free
- No fresh produce items that bruise easily
- Canned products that require a can opener pop top preferred)
- Items high in sodium (i.e., +100mg per package)
- Candy, gum, or food with no nutritional value
Fun facts!
- Most foods that are supplied in a Blessing in a Backpack bag are whole grain or low sugar.
- All foods are kid-friendly, so younger children can easily open it
