The YMCA Magic Place received $40,000 from the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program to bring healthy meals to the doors of hungry children. The YMCA of Roanoke Valley will use the Walmart Gift to purchase a bus, and conversion system for a Mobile Kitchen Unit.
YMCA of Roanoke Valley Senior Vice President of Operations, Jackie Grant, states “Hunger hurts everyone, but especially children living in poverty. Having enough nutritious, healthy food is critical to a child’s physical and emotional development and their ability to achieve academically.”
The YMCA of Roanoke Valley has made a huge commitment to Year Round Feeding and will be increasing its efforts to address issues of hunger and food insecurity. This year the YMCA of Roanoke Valley is also the recipient of a $70,000 grant to support both Magic Place summer camp, summer outreach sites, as well after school supper programs.
In addition, the YMCA is now in its fourth year of the Summer Feed and Read Program. This year, the Y will be serving free lunches to children at the following outreach sites: Roanoke Main Library, Raleigh Court Library, Melrose Library, Gainsboro Library, Jackson Park Library, Vinton Library, Washington Park Pool, Valley View Mall, and the Cultural Arts for Excellence Summer Camp.
About the Y
The YMCA of Roanoke Valley was founded in 1883 and includes Kirk Family YMCA, Salem Family YMCA, YMCA Express at Gainsboro and YMCA Magic Place. The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors
