News Summary
The J.A. Henry Community YMCA is expanding its Free Summer Food Program to include the Boys & Girls Club in Chattanooga. This initiative aims to reduce food insecurity among children by providing nutritious meals throughout the summer. With over 70 meal distribution sites operating across multiple counties, the program ensures that children aged 5-12 will have access to free lunches until July 25. Additional support from local agencies facilitates transportation for families, making it easier to access these critical resources.
Chattanooga Expands Free Summer Food Program for Children
Chattanooga, TN – The J.A. Henry Community YMCA has announced an expansion of its Free Summer Food Program to include the Boys & Girls Club in Chattanooga. This partnership aims to address food insecurity among children in the community, ensuring that more children have access to nutritious meals during the summer months.
Through this initiative, children attending the Boys & Girls Club will be able to receive free lunches until July 25, extending the program’s reach to those who may otherwise go without meals when school is not in session. The YMCA now operates over 70 meal distribution sites across Hamilton, Bradley, Polk, Rhea, Sequatchie, Catoosa, and Walker Counties, solidifying this program as the largest of its kind in the region.
The Summer Food Program is designed for children ages 5-12, and it offers no-cost meals to all eligible participants. Meal distribution sites include community centers, libraries, YMCA locations, and local schools, making it accessible for families across the area. In addition, local Mayor Tim Kelly has acknowledged the importance of this program, thanking the YMCA for its efforts and highlighting the support from CARTA, which provides transportation to families needing access to these food sites.
To further facilitate access, CARTA has initiated the Ride & Read program, which allows over 1,500 children enrolled in this initiative to utilize five-day passes for free transportation to meal sites. Through this collaboration, families can easily reach designated locations to ensure their children receive free meals.
The state also supports children in need through the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS), which is running Summer Nutrition Initiatives targeting lower-income areas. Under these programs, children aged 18 and younger qualify for free meals and snacks, generally without the need for an application at most meal sites.
Additionally, the Dalton Public Schools’ Summer Nutrition Program is set to run from June 2 to July 24, 2025, for children 18 and under, offering meals without any registration or fees. The Whitfield County School District will also be providing a Summer Nutrition Program during the same timeframe. Meanwhile, Rhea County’s Nutrition Department is preparing to distribute meal bags containing five breakfasts and lunches every Thursday starting June 5 for children under 18, ensuring that multiple areas are covered in providing food assistance.
Families searching for local meal sites can easily find information by texting “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304. The YMCA is currently seeking volunteers to help pack meals for the Summer Food Program, indicating a community-wide effort to combat food insecurity among children. The collaboration between CARTA and the Chattanooga Public Library through the Ride & Read program further enhances meal accessibility, reflecting an ongoing commitment to nourish the youth of Chattanooga.
The combined efforts of local organizations and schools are crucial in addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity and ensuring that no child goes hungry during the summer months.
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Additional Resources
- Local3News: YMCA Expanding Summer Meals Program
- NewsChannel9: Chattanooga Food Bank Concerns
- Tennessee Lookout: Bill Cuts to Medicaid and Food Aid
- Times Free Press: Tennessee Summer EBT Hunger
- Tennessean: USDA Cuts Impact on Tennessee Farmers
- Wikipedia: Food Insecurity
- Google Search: Food Insecurity Tennessee
- Google Scholar: Food Insecurity Programs Tennessee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Insecurity
- Google News: Chattanooga Summer Food Program
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
