Dear Dow Bay Area Family YMCA Members & Community: 

As a YMCA member, you are part of a historical community—a community that has always focused on the betterment of all in spirit, mind, and body, and cares for those in need.  Our facility, childcare, and programs are world-class, but did you know that we also provide free meals every weekday for anyone 18 and under?  Did you know that we provide Emergency Food Boxes to those in need?  As Hunger Action Month draws to a close, anti-hunger efforts continue here at Dow Bay Area Family YMCA, daily. 

Food insecurity continues to be an important issue in Bay County, and the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA is here to do what we can to ensure every family in our community has access to the nutrition they need to thrive.  We served a record number of meals this Summer: 

• 9,950 meals were served at our new Rural Non-Congregate site at Hampton Township Police Department. 

• 9,855 meals and snacks were served at Dow Bay Family YMCA, Maplewood Park, and our YMCA Childcare at 1st Presbyterian Church from June 4th-August 18th while local schools were closed for summer break. 

• 347 Emergency Food Boxes were distributed to support families in our community. 

We want to inspire you to take action to keep this important work going. Here are ways that you can help: 

• Volunteer: We are always looking for assistance in packing emergency food boxes and daily food prep. Want to teach a class in our kitchen?  We would love to hear more about your expertise. 

• Advocate: Our Free Youth Food Program utilizes USDA meal programs to help provide nutritious meals to kids in out-of-school time programs and over the summer.  Supporting the continuation of this funding helps us continue helping kids.  

• Give: Our Emergency Food Box program relies entirely on monetary contributions to operate, and our Free Youth Food Program is also sustainable with donations. Your support helps us continue helping others. Each food box costs around $10 to make, with the price of food consistently rising. We are on pace to distribute almost 2,000 boxes in 2025. 

Will you help us? You can reach out to me directly at the phone number or email provided below if you have any questions or want to get involved. Thank you for your continued support as we continue our efforts to serve others!